triplet

noun

trip·​let ˈtri-plət 

plural triplets

1

: one of three offspring produced in the same pregnancy

2

a

: a combination, set, or group of three

b

: a group of three elementary particles (such as positive, negative, and neutral pions) with different charge states but otherwise similar properties

c

: an atom or molecule with an even number of electrons that have a net magnetic moment

d

: codon

3

: a group of three musical notes, tones, or beats performed in the time of two of the same value

4

: a unit of three lines of verse

Synonyms

• threesome
• triad
• trifecta
• trinity
• trio
• triple
• triumvirate

Examples of triplet in a Sentence

the theater piece is actually a triplet of comedy sketches, all of them having romantic love as their theme

Recent Examples on the Web

The extent of medical attention given to Kim and the triplets signals the seriousness with which the authorities are taking the declining birthrate. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025

The two went on to have five more children: twins Vivian and Griffin and triplets Kai, Saxon and Damian. —Kayla Grant, People.com, 30 May 2025

It’s revealed that Emily’s triplet, Charity, who is believed to have died during childbirth, is on a murder spree, killing Dante — as well as Emily’s ex-husband, Sean. —Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025

Kevin O’Neill of Ann Arbor, Mich., the father of 3-year-old identical triplet girls, recently did that, driving 40 minutes into Detroit for an evening of sushi and a musical. —Ginanne Brownell, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

triple entry 2

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Kids Definition

triplet

noun

trip·​let ˈtrip-lət 

1

: a unit of three lines of verse

2

: a combination, set, or group of three

3

: one of three children or offspring born at one birth

4

: a group of three notes played in the time of two of the same value

Medical Definition

triplet

noun

trip·​let ˈtrip-lət 

1

a

: a combination, set, or group of three

b

: an atom or molecule with an even number of electrons that have a net magnetic moment

c

: codon

2

a

: one of three children or offspring born at one birth

b

triplets plural : a group of three offspring born at one birth

3

: a combination of three lenses