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

The Democratic Party as a whole is undergoing a revamping period after the 2024 election, with progressives insisting leadership inject fresh blood and passionate policies into their ranks to break up the GOP trifecta in 2026 and reclaim the White House in 2028. —Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Feb. 2025

This year, Pearl Jam earned a trifecta of rock nominations for the first time, which points to a win for their 12th album, Dark Matter. —Justin Curto, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025

Instead of the intensive active, this pen is spiked with a combination of mineral-rich sea salt and coconut oil, sage oil, and lemon peel oil—a trifecta of oils rich in antioxidants to brighten and even the tone of your teeth. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 9 Jan. 2025

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

Word History

Etymology

tri- + perfecta

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined at sense 2