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

The sulfate-free shampoo starts with a satisfying trio of sea buckthorn, coconut oil, and water lily extract that nourish from scalp-to-ends, helping to restore shine and make hair easier to style. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026

The trio of hurricanes represents a level of elevated activity consistent with El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures in parts of the Pacific Ocean. — Denise Chow, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026

The young roster is led by the trio of Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026

The inclusion of Leoni, Bradley and Ekitike is welcome, with the trio all on course to be fit to play a role later in the league phase. — James Pearce, New York Times, 3 Sep. 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