trifecta

noun

tri·​fec·​ta trī-ˈfek-tə How to pronounce trifecta (audio)
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

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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.

Examples of trifecta in a Sentence

that summertime trifecta for meteorologically induced misery: hazy, hot, and humid
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.
Boissy anchored the team on both ends, earning selections to the All-BAL First Team and All-Defensive First Team, a rare trifecta that reflects his all-around dominance. Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Though Democrats have held a trifecta of control over the executive branch and both chambers in the state Legislature, there’s often a sense the party hasn’t delivered on promises such as affordable housing or high-speed rail. David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2025 Only three players have ever pulled off that trifecta: O’Neal, Michael Jordan (four times) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 11 June 2025 As the midterm elections approach, Democrats have been in search of messaging that sticks after their sweeping losses in 2024, when the GOP secured a trifecta in Washington for the next two years. Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for trifecta

Word History

Etymology

tri- + perfecta

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of trifecta was in 1971

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Cite this Entry

“Trifecta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trifecta. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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