third-party

1 of 2

adjective

third-par·​ty ˈthərd-ˈpär-tē 

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

b

: minor party

Examples of third-party in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Furthermore, allowing Apple Intelligence to integrate multiple AI models as required gives customers more choice and helps Apple Intelligence keep up with the latest developments in AI without becoming reliant on a single third-party AI company. —Paul Monckton, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

Wonder operates first-party restaurants through its ghost-kitchen facilities, third-party food delivery under Relay and Blue Apron’s prepared meals and grocery service. —Stuart Dyos, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2025

Noun

The distribution strategy began at the script stage, during which deals were secured with third parties in several key territories. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2025

For example, all deals between third parties and student-athletes over $600 will be subject to an independent fair-market-value analysis on a case-by-case basis. —Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

b

: minor party

Legal Definition

third party

see party sense 1a, b