threefold

adjective

three·​fold ˈthrē-ˌfōld How to pronounce threefold (audio) -ˈfōld How to pronounce threefold (audio)
1
: having three parts or members : triple
a threefold purpose
2
: being three times as great or as many
a threefold increase
threefold adverb

Examples of threefold in a Sentence

a threefold approach to solving the problem
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nearly 300 million people around the world are facing extreme hunger, according to the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises recently released—a threefold increase in hunger since 2016. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025 And after 46 days competing, the contest – the largest online chess game ever held, according to Chess.com – ended in a draw after 32 moves when the public forced a threefold repetition in a queen endgame to earn a half-point for either side. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 21 May 2025 The platform has so far recorded $3 billion worth of trading in April, a threefold increase of its typical monthly volume. Lindsey Choo, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 LinkedIn data shows a threefold increase in C-suite profiles listing AI skills today compared to two years ago. Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for threefold

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of threefold was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Threefold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threefold. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

threefold

adjective
three·​fold ˈthrē-ˌfōld How to pronounce threefold (audio)
-ˈfōld
1
: having three parts or members
2
: being three times as great or as many
threefold adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on threefold

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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