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

• 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 each had their own high street travel agency — something vital to capture volumes in a low-margin sector — and their own airline. —Ian King, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, the real-life artists who provide the singing voices of the HUNTR/X trio have also been on the promotional trail. —Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2025

Celebrating this trio of collaborators is what this very recognition was created for. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025

On the day of sentencing, Jacobo’s family members called for harsher penalties against the trio. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025

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
• beaux
• blow
• boe
• 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