trio

noun

ˈtrē-(ˌ)ō 

plural trios

1

a

: a musical composition for three voice parts or three instruments

b

: the secondary or episodic division of a minuet or scherzo, a march, or of various dance forms

2

: the performers of a musical or dance trio

3

: a group or set of three

Synonyms

• threesome
• triad
• trifecta
• trinity
• triple
• triplet
• triumvirate

Examples of trio in a Sentence

He plays in a jazz trio.

the band was just a trio of musicians on piano, drums, and saxophone

Recent Examples on the Web

Here’s a look at a few celebrations: ▪ La Playa Maya in Fort Worth and Hudson Oaks will serve a new chips-and-dips trio with salsa, queso and guacamole for $9.95, plus $5 house margaritas and swirls. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2024

Soils, elevation, climate, eight different clones of Pinot Noir, an incredible vintage, and the winemaker’s hand combined to create an outstanding trio of releases from Cobb in 2021. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Italian from tri- (from Latin)

First Known Use

circa 1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

trio

noun

ˈtrē-ō 

plural trios

1

a

: a musical composition for three voices or instruments

b

: the performers of a musical trio

2

: a group or set of three