third-generation \| ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷\adjective Etymology: from the phrase third generation 1.: being a member of the third generation of a family to be born in the U.S. < a third-generation American > 2.: being a member of the second generation of a family to be born in the United States