triple

1 of 3

verb

tri·​ple ˈtri-pəl 

tripled; tripling ˈtri-p(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to make three times as great or as many

2

a

: to score (a base runner) by a triple

b

: to bring about the scoring of (a run) by a triple

intransitive verb

1

: to become three times as great or as numerous

their profits tripled last year

2

: to make a triple in baseball

triple

2 of 3

noun

1

a

: a triple sum, quantity, or number

b

: a combination, group, or series of three

2

: a base hit that allows the batter to reach third base safely

3

: trifecta sense 2

triple

3 of 3

adjective

1

: being three times as great or as many

2

: having or involving three units or members

triple bypass heart surgery

3

: having a threefold relation or character

worked as a double or even triple agent

—Time

4

a

: three times repeated : treble

b

: having three full revolutions

a triple somersault

a triple lutz

5

: marked by three beats per musical measure

triple meter

6

a

: having units of three components

triple feet

b

of rhyme : involving correspondence of three syllables (as in unfortunate-importunate)

Synonyms

Noun

• threesome
• triad
• trifecta
• trinity
• trio
• triplet
• triumvirate

Adjective

• threefold
• treble
• triadic
• tripartite
• triplex

Examples of triple in a Sentence

Verb

He tripled his winnings at the track.

The town's population has tripled in size.

He tripled to right field.

Noun

that triple of terrors for the wintertime driver: snow, ice, and sleet

Adjective

She got a new job with triple the salary of her old one.

He ordered a triple espresso.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The five-year survival rate for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), for example, has more than tripled since the mid-’70s. —Elizabeth Millard, Cpt, SELF, 15 Aug. 2024

Going forward, the expansion will include 12 more production lines, tripling capacity, and finally opening up access to their first overseas clients. —Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2024

Noun

While the triple didn’t result in any runs, the hit marked a turning point for the Marlins during the game despite their eventual 6-5, 12-inning loss. —Kaushik Sampath, Miami Herald, 4 July 2024

In his first 47 games at the level, McCray has struck out at the lowest rate of his career — 25.5% of his plate appearances — while batting .272 with six home runs, 12 doubles, four triples and an .818 OPS. —Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2024

Adjective

Highlights include talks with triple Oscar-nominee Sigourney Weaver and Australian director Peter Weir, both of whom will receive honorary Golden Lion awards in Venice this year for lifetime achievement. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Aug. 2024

Sounds simple but her recipe box was filled with flavorful ways to make this recipe, from triple chocolate to pumpkin to caramel. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English (Scots), from Late Latin triplare, from Latin triplus, adjective

Noun

Middle English, from Latin triplus, adjective

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin triplus, from tri- + -plus multiplied by — more at -fold

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing triple

• triple-A
• triple-A battery
• triple bogey
• triple bond
• triple counterpoint
• triple-decker
• triple-double
• triple E
• triple-header
• triple jump
• triple play
• triple point
• triple sec
• triple-space
• triple-team
• triple threat
• triple-tongue

Kids Definition

triple

1 of 3 verb

tri·​ple ˈtrip-əl 

tripled; tripling ˈtrip-(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to make or become three times as great or as many : multiply by three

their profits tripled last year

2

: to make a triple in baseball

triple

2 of 3 noun

1

a

: a triple sum, quantity, or number

b

: a combination, group, or series of three

2

: a hit in baseball that permits a batter to reach third base safely

triple

3 of 3 adjective

1

: being three times as great or as many

2

: having three units or parts

3

a

: three times repeated

b

: having three full revolutions

a triple somersault