# three Rs

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. The basic education received in primary schools, especially (but not necessarily limited to) reading, writing and arithmetic.
2. The basic precepts of any subject matter.
3. Reduce, reuse and recycle.

## Etymology
From the initial consonant in the pronunciation of reading, (w)riting, (a)rithmetic (aphetically), 1820s.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/three-rs