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 formula combines an acne-fighting trio of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to exfoliate away dead skin cells and unclog pores, while tea tree leaf water further targets breakouts, and calamine keeps excess oil in check. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 May 2026

If convicted, the trio could face up to 25 years to life in state prison. —Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 20 May 2026

Lebrun’s narration has established before this point that a specific trio of boys helped make Otto’s life a living hell. —Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 20 May 2026

Mercury — the lowest of the planetary trio — will sit less than 5 degrees above the horizon. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 20 May 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