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

The trio will be joined by Emmy-winning director-producer Anthony Hemingway, founder of AHP and EP and main helmer of the Hulu legal drama All’s Fair. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026

The trio took the stage at the film festival’s opening night premiere of Sian Heder’s Being Heumann. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026

Its attack is led by the Designated Player trio of Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge and Cristian Espinoza. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026

Ever since, the Black Eyed Peas continued to release music and tour as a trio, all the while maintaining that the split was amicable. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 11 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