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

It’s equipped with about 20 feet (6 meters) of solar panels and a trio of robotic arms designed to grab Swift. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 July 2026

First, look out for the dazzling trio of stars that form the famous Summer Triangle asterism. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2026

But the unlikely third member of the run-producing Royal trio is left fielder Isaac Collins. — Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026

Like all of the company’s bespoke commissions, each member of the trio was handcrafted at Rolls-Royce’s home in Goodwood in West Sussex, England. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 2 July 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
• beaut
• beaux
• blow
• 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