eighth

noun

ˈātth How to pronounce eighth (audio)
ˈāth
plural eighths ˈāt(th)s How to pronounce eighth (audio)
ˈāths
1
: one that is number eight in a series
the eighth of the month
see Table of Numbers
2
: one of eight equal parts of something
one eighth of a pie
an eighth of a pound
3
4
: octave
He contrasted himself with Elton John, who complained that his chubby hands could only reach an eighth, which was a hindrance to his piano technique (though clearly he overcame the problem).Susan Wyndham
eighth adjective or adverb
the eighth person in line
the country's eighth largest city

Examples of eighth in a Sentence

one eighth of the pie An eighth of a pound is two ounces.
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.
Last spring, Lenexa voters passed a 20-year extension of the city’s sales tax that takes three-eighths of one percent of purchases (38 cents in a $100 purchase) within the city limits. Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026 Ringing piano eighths gallop at a brisk mid-tempo, while percussive hits ring out in the distance. Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026 Springtails range in length from less than a millimeter to about 10 millimeters — roughly three-eighths of an inch. Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 27 Jan. 2026 Los Gatos is just one-eighth of a cent away from reaching the state sales tax cap. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eighth

Word History

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of eighth was in 1557

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Cite this Entry

“Eighth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eighth. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

eighth

noun
plural eighths ˈāt(th)s How to pronounce eighth (audio)
: one that is number eight in a series see number
eighth adjective or adverb

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