We present the design of a single-shot third-order autocorrelator that can be used to measure optical pulse lengths of ultrashort pulses within a fixed time window on a single-shot basis. It has a number of advantages over traditional second-order autocorrelation devices, namely a more direct and accurate measurement of pulse shape, the ability to differentiate temporal activity ahead and behind the pulse, and an increased dynamic range. The design is linear and is, in principle, no more difficult to construct and operate than a second-order autocorrelator.