triplet

noun

trip·​let ˈtri-plət 

plural triplets

1

: one of three offspring produced in the same pregnancy

2

a

: a combination, set, or group of three

b

: a group of three elementary particles (such as positive, negative, and neutral pions) with different charge states but otherwise similar properties

c

: an atom or molecule with an even number of electrons that have a net magnetic moment

d

: codon

3

: a group of three musical notes, tones, or beats performed in the time of two of the same value

4

: a unit of three lines of verse

Synonyms

• threesome
• triad
• trifecta
• trinity
• trio
• triple
• triumvirate

Examples of triplet in a Sentence

the theater piece is actually a triplet of comedy sketches, all of them having romantic love as their theme

Recent Examples on the Web

The missing sisters, from Hungary, are part of a set of triplets, with the other triplet being their sister Edit Huszti, according to the BBC. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025

Behind me were the Music Center’s elegant triplets of the arts: the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Mark Taper Forum and Ahmanson Theatre. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025

The triplets Phoebe carried and birthed for her brother Frank Jr. (Giovanni Ribisi) and his wife Alice (Debra Jo Rupp) were played briefly in season 4 by real-life quadruplets Cole, Justin, Alexandria and Paul Cimoch. —Athena Sobhan, Peoplemag, 22 Sep. 2024

Twister had triplets, but Twisters stuck with twins. —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 19 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

triple entry 2

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Kids Definition

triplet

noun

trip·​let ˈtrip-lət 

1

: a unit of three lines of verse

2

: a combination, set, or group of three

3

: one of three children or offspring born at one birth

4

: a group of three notes played in the time of two of the same value

Medical Definition

triplet

noun

trip·​let ˈtrip-lət 

1

a

: a combination, set, or group of three

b

: an atom or molecule with an even number of electrons that have a net magnetic moment

c

: codon

2

a

: one of three children or offspring born at one birth

b

triplets plural : a group of three offspring born at one birth

3

: a combination of three lenses