trilogy

noun

tril·​o·​gy ˈtri-lə-jē 

plural trilogies

: a series of three dramas or literary works or sometimes three musical compositions that are closely related and develop a single theme

Did you know?

Dozens of tragic trilogies were written for the Greek stage, though only one, Aeschylus's great Oresteia (consisting of Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, *and *The Eumenides), has survived complete. Authors in later years have occasionally chosen to create trilogies to allow themselves to develop a highly complex story or cover a long span of time. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings wasn't actually intended as a trilogy, but since it was published in three volumes it's usually called one. George Lucas's three original Star Wars movies are an example of a film trilogy (which he followed many years later by another).

Examples of trilogy in a Sentence

the last book in the trilogy

Recent Examples on the Web

The conclusion of the trilogy completes David’s (Michael Iskander) transformation from outcast shepherd to fierce warrior to his ultimate destiny as King. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026

The actress, known for the Culpa Mia trilogy and The House of Spirits, will play the female lead role opposite Off Campus star Josh Heuston. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026

The Danish director’s Pusher trilogy (which was restored and rereleased last year) had been handheld, hyperrealistic, and savage; Drive, on the other hand, was ethereal and moody, its characters submerged, their delivery precise. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

The composer has spent decades creating the musical identities of some of Hollywood’s biggest films, from The Lion King and Gladiator to The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Interstellar and Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek trilogia, from tri- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

circa 1661, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

trilogy

noun

tril·​o·​gy ˈtril-ə-jē 

plural trilogies

: a series of three literary, dramatic, or musical works that are closely related and develop a single theme