Definition of "three-hitter" [three-hitter]

• A game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team only 3 hits (noun)

WordNet. Princeton University. 2010.

• "PHILADELPHIA — Chris Carpenter tossed a three-hitter to outpitch old pal Roy Halladay in a duel for the ages and the St. Louis Cardinals edged the Philadelphia Phillies 1-0 Friday night in the deciding Game 5 of their NL playoff series."
• "Much of the Nationals 'frustration can be directly attributed to Peavy, who tossed a three-hitter for the fourth shutout of his career and eighth complete game."
• "The Cincinnati right-hander threw a three-hitter, Brandon Phillips hit a two-run homer and the Reds overcame the Pirates 'triple play in a 2-0 victory on Sunday."