third base

IPA/ˌθɜːd ˈbeɪs/
IPA/ˌθɜːrd ˈbeɪs/

third base — noun

1. In baseball, the bag a runner must safely reach after second base on the way bac

1.nounB1
Definition

In baseball, the bag a runner must safely reach after second base on the way back to home plate; it can also refer to the fielder's spot defending that area of the field

Example

Carlos slid into third base just ahead of the catcher's tag and won the game for his team.

slid into third base — movement toward the base

From her position at third base, Mei-Lin watched the batter closely and moved two steps to her left.

position at third base — defensive role

Common collocations
  • reach third base
  • slide into third base
  • play third base
  • stand at third base
  • throw from third base
  • the third-base coach
  • round third base
Synonyms
  • third

    Short form used informally within baseball talk ('he's on third'), but not natural outside the sport.

  • the hot corner

    Informal nickname for the third-base position, because batted balls travel very fast to that spot.

Grammar Patterns

third base

at third base

play third base

Usage Note

Third base can refer either to the physical base itself (a bag) or to the defensive position of the fielder who stands near it. Context tells you which meaning is intended: running and sliding suggest the base itself; fielding, throwing, and positional phrases (e.g., 'playing third base') suggest the defensive role.

Common Mistakes

He scored from third.' (vague in non-baseball context).
He scored from third base after the outfielder dropped the ball.
Clarify the sport when using baseball terms outside a baseball discussion.

Word family

  • third baseman
    nounB2
  • third-base coach
    nounB2
  • the hot corner
    noun phraseC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These terms all refer to the same baseball concept but differ in register and scope. 'Third base' is the standard, neutral term and works in any context — from official game commentary to casual conversation. 'Third' is an informal shortening used mainly by players and fans ('he's on third with two outs'); it never refers to the defensive position. 'The hot corner' is a colourful nickname exclusive to the fielding position, not the base itself; it reflects the fact that right-handed batters often hit hard ground balls to that area of the infield. Use 'third base' for clarity unless you are inside a baseball discussion where the shorter forms are understood.

third base ↗third ↗the hot corner

Common collocations

Nouns

  • third-base coach
  • third-base line
  • third-base bag
  • third-base position

Phrases

  • reach third base safely
  • get thrown out at third base
  • play the hot corner

Prepositions

  • at third base
  • to third base
  • from third base
  • past third base

Etymology

English

The term 'third base' comes from the geometry of the baseball diamond, where the four bases form a square 90 feet (27 metres) per side. 'Third' simply marks the third stopping point a runner must reach after home plate, first base, and second base, in counter-clockwise order. The term has been in use since the early days of organised baseball in the mid-19th century.

First known use

1845

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1