What does "third place" mean?

A social space separate from the two usual social environments of home (“first place”) and the workplace (“second place”), such as a bar or public library.

What is a synonym for "third place"?

Common synonyms include: coffeehouse, third position.

Third place

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1
A social space separate from the two usual social environments of home (“first place”) and the workplace (“second place”), such as a bar or public library.
"The “third place” is a public, social place where you spend time that is neither home nor work. Whether it is publicly run, like a library, or a commercial venture, it is, above all, shared – a site of community-building and interaction with others."
2
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see third, place.

Synonyms

All synonyms

coffeehouse third position

Example

More examples

"The “third place” is a public, social place where you spend time that is neither home nor work. Whether it is publicly run, like a library, or a commercial venture, it is, above all, shared – a site of community-building and interaction with others."

Etymology

Coined by American urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg in 1989.

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