third-party

1 of 2

adjective

third-par·​ty ˈthərd-ˈpär-tē How to pronounce third-party (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or involving a third party
third-party insurance
2
: of, relating to, or being software that is created by a vendor to be compatible with the products of another vendor

third party

2 of 2

noun

1
: a person other than the principals
a third party to a divorce proceeding
insurance against injury to third parties
2
a
: a major political party operating over a limited period of time in addition to two other major parties in a nation or state normally characterized by a two-party system

Examples of third-party in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The specific threat here came from powerful AI tools — including Microsoft’s own — deployed to power attacks against third-party organizations. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 The law potentially banning TikTok -- the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act -- cracks down on the app by targeting third-party companies vital to the functioning of the platform. Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 Jan. 2025
Noun
And that is where collaborative efforts with independent third parties come in, addressing this concern by ensuring that consumers are heard. Eric Reicin, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 As the marketplace works to push the transition, its ongoing reliance on third parties could still be a weakness—at least for now. Matt Burgess, WIRED, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for third-party 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of third-party was in 1641

Dictionary Entries Near third-party

third party

third-party

third person

Cite this Entry

“Third-party.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/third-party. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

third party

noun
1
: a person other than the main participants
a third party to the legal proceedings
2
a
: a political party operating usually for a limited time in addition to the two major parties in a 2-party system

Legal Definition

third party

see party sense 1a, b

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!