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

Reeves formed the alternative-rock trio — completed by vocalist-guitarist Bret Domrose and drummer-actor Robert Mailhouse — in Los Angeles in the early 1990s, and the group has drawn on the same post-punk lineage Hook helped define. — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026

Conveniently, a studio was nearby, and inspiration struck the trio. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026

The new trio combines 3-chip 3LCD projection with laser-array illumination, HDR support, full 4K on-screen output, and high-frame-rate inputs up to 120 Hz across the lineup. — New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026

And their impact was on full display against the Terrapins’ defense Saturday, as the trio all reached the end zone for the second consecutive game. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 28 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