trifecta

noun

tri·​fec·​ta trī-ˈfek-tə 

ˈtrī-ˌfek-

1

: triple sense 1b

achieved a show-business trifecta : a platinum record, hit TV series, and an Oscar

2

: a variation of the perfecta in which a bettor wins by selecting the first three finishers of a race in the correct order of finish

Did you know?

Where does trifecta come from?

Trifecta is a recent addition to the English language. It first appeared in the early 1970s as a term for a horse-racing bet in which the first, second, and third place finishers are chosen in the correct order.

The word has since broadened in meaning: it can now also refer to a group of three (usually desirable) things (such as “the trifecta of curing cancer, ending hunger, and putting an end to war"). It is found in everything from advertisements to media company names to casual speech.

Trifecta combines the prefix tri- (meaning “three”) with the last element in perfecta, a word of American Spanish origin that refers to a horse-racing bet in which the first- and second-place finishers are chosen correctly.

Synonyms of trifecta

• trio
• triad

Examples of trifecta in a Sentence

that summertime trifecta for meteorologically induced misery: hazy, hot, and humid

Recent Examples on the Web

Democrats have not won a trifecta — full control of the state's executive and legislative branches — in more than 30 years. — Carmen Russell-Sluchansky, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026

Checks and balances For the Republicans voting for Democratic candidates, much of the reasoning comes down to being fed up with one-party trifectas in both the state and federal governments. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026

Declaring that Chicago was facing a trifecta of crises in finances, public safety and confidence, Mendoza promised to cut in half the construction approval and permitting timeline for new buildings. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Drake has been busy throughout 2026, which included the release of his trifecta of albums in May. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

tri- + perfecta

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for trifecta

• ejecta
• insecta
• analecta
• imperfecta
• recta