tenth

noun

ˈten(t)th 

plural tenths ˈten(t)s  ˈten(t)ths 

1

: one that is number ten in a series

the tenth of February

She was the tenth in line.

see Table of Numbers

2

: one of ten equal parts of something

He sold the car for a tenth of its value.

3

a

: a musical interval embracing an octave and a third

b

: the tone at this interval

tenth adjective or adverb

the tenth floor

the world's tenth largest company

Examples of tenth in a Sentence

He was tenth in line.

He traded stocks for one tenth their face value.

I only paid a tenth of what you did for that jacket.

Recent Examples on the Web

The last time the city recorded over a tenth of an inch of rainfall was last May, according to the Los Angeles Times, contributing to drought. —Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

The initial subsidies were as little as a tenth of the purchase price of the replacement car or appliance. —Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025

Residents can help report snowfall totals by finding a flat area away from trees and buildings, and measuring snow depth to the closest tenth of an inch with a ruler. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Jan. 2025

The 2017 inauguration was the tenth of 11 she's attended in her life, starting with John. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tenth

• tenth-rate

Kids Definition

tenth

noun

ˈten(t)th 

plural tenths ˈten(t)s 

ˈten(t)ths

1

: one that is number 10 in a series see number

2

: one of 10 equal parts of something

3

: the one numbered 10 in a countable series

tenth adjective or adverb