thousandth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “thousandth” mean?
The ordinal number corresponding to one thousand.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ordinal number corresponding to one thousand; position 1000 in a sequence.
One of a thousand equal parts of something; a fraction equal to 1/1000.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation follow standard regional patterns.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “thousandth” in a Sentence
the + thousandth + nouna + thousandth + of + nounordinal + thousandthVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thousandth” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She was the thousandth person to sign the petition.
- We celebrated the company's thousandth anniversary.
American English
- He was the thousandth visitor to the new exhibit.
- This is the thousandth edition of the newspaper.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in financial reporting for very small percentages or fractions (e.g., 'a thousandth of a percent').
Academic
Common in mathematics, physics, and engineering for precise measurements and sequences.
Everyday
Used in discussing order (e.g., 'the thousandth customer') or very small amounts.
Technical
Precise fractional measurement, especially in science and engineering (e.g., millimeter as a thousandth of a meter).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thousandth”
- Mispronouncing the final '-th' cluster.
- Misspelling as 'thousanth'.
- Using 'thousand' when 'thousandth' is needed for order or fraction.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. As an adjective, it describes position in order (the thousandth day). As a noun, it names a fractional part (one thousandth).
It can be tricky. Practice saying 'thousand' and then add a clear, separate 'th' sound (/θ/). In casual speech, the vowel before it may be reduced or omitted.
The plural is 'thousandths' (e.g., five thousandths, pronounced /ˈθaʊz(ə)nθs/).
Its primary use is numerical. Figuratively, it can emphasize something very small ('a thousandth of a chance') or a repeated event ('for the thousandth time').
The ordinal number corresponding to one thousand.
Thousandth is usually neutral to formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the thousandth time (emphasizing repetition)”
- “not one in a thousand (extremely rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'thousand' + '-th' (like fourth, fifth). It's the pattern for making ordinals.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXTREME SMALLNESS (when used fractionally), SEQUENTIAL ORDER (when used ordinally).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'thousandth' correctly as a fraction?