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 of trio

• triad
• trinity
• trilogy
• triumvirate
• triplet

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

Authorities last Thursday arrested the trio accused of carrying out the fatal attack. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026

The same day, Beckham took to his Instagram to share a trio of photos, one of Peltz covering her face, another of himself cozied up in bed, and a third of the two of them posing on the stairs. —Christina Perrier, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026

Of that trio, only Saleh had yet to interview with the Titans until an in-person session Monday. —CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026

Rayner, Robell and Sweazie are the trio of JMU linemen (so far) making the trek to Westwood. —Benjamin Royer, Daily News, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Italian from tri- (from Latin)

First Known Use

circa 1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for trio

• beau
• beaux
• blow
• boe
• bro
• coe
• crow
• doe
• doh
• dough
• eau
• eaux

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