trifecta

noun

tri·​fec·​ta trī-ˈfek-tə 

ˈtrī-ˌfek-

1

: triple sense 1b

achieved a show-business trifecta : a platinum record, hit TV series, and an Oscar

2

: a variation of the perfecta in which a bettor wins by selecting the first three finishers of a race in the correct order of finish

Did you know?

Where does trifecta come from?

Trifecta is a recent addition to the English language. It first appeared in the early 1970s as a term for a horse-racing bet in which the first, second, and third place finishers are chosen in the correct order.

The word has since broadened in meaning: it can now also refer to a group of three (usually desirable) things (such as “the trifecta of curing cancer, ending hunger, and putting an end to war"). It is found in everything from advertisements to media company names to casual speech.

Trifecta combines the prefix tri- (meaning “three”) with the last element in perfecta, a word of American Spanish origin that refers to a horse-racing bet in which the first- and second-place finishers are chosen correctly.

Synonyms

• threesome
• triad
• trinity
• trio
• triple
• triplet
• triumvirate

Examples of trifecta in a Sentence

that summertime trifecta for meteorologically induced misery: hazy, hot, and humid

Recent Examples on the Web

Republicans have maintained a spirit of unison as their trifecta materializes in a new legislative session and presidential administration. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 25 Jan. 2025

The bottom line: At this stage, the GOP trifecta seems to be spending more time admiring its problems than solving them. —Axios, 22 Jan. 2025

Congress plots next moves After all the pomp and circumstance, Congress will turn to putting Trump’s agenda into law under the new GOP trifecta. —Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025

As Republicans made immigration a key platform during the 2024 election and touted plans to address border security with a new GOP trifecta, Democrats have repeatedly cited the breakdown of a bipartisan border deal last year, which came at the urging of Mr. Trump. —Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

tri- + perfecta

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined at sense 2