third-largest

UK: ˌθɜːd ˈlɑːdʒɪst | US: ˌθɜrd ˈlɑːrdʒɪst

Definition

  1. adj. ranking immediately below the second-largest in size, quantity, or importance

Structure
third <three>large <big>est <superlative suffix>
Etymology

The word combines "third" (from Old English þridda, meaning "three") with "large" (from Latin largus, meaning "abundant or big") and the superlative suffix "-est" (from Old English -ost). It logically constructs a comparative hierarchy, emphasizing a position just below the top two in scale or significance.

Examples

  1. Canada is the third-largest country by land area.

  2. The company became the third-largest producer of solar panels globally.

  3. Tokyo is the third-largest metropolitan economy in the world.

  4. She finished the race as the third-fastest runner.

  5. This river is the third-largest source of freshwater in the region.