triptych

noun

trip·​tych ˈtrip-(ˌ)tik How to pronounce triptych (audio)
1
a
: a picture (such as an altarpiece) or carving in three panels side by side
b
: something composed or presented in three parts or sections
especially : trilogy
2
: an ancient Roman writing tablet with three waxed leaves hinged together

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Triptych Has Greek Roots

A painted or carved triptych typically has three hinged panels, and the two outer panels can be folded in towards the central one. A literary or musical triptych generally consists of three closely related or contrasting themes or parts. Triptych derives from the Greek triptychos ("having three folds"), formed by combining tri- ("three") and ptychē ("fold" or "layer"). Although triptych originally described a specific type of Roman writing tablet that had three hinged sections, it is not surprising that the idea was generalized first to a type of painting, and then to anything composed of three parts.

Examples of triptych in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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That opening-apocalypse chapter is presented as Act III of a narrative triptych that’s moving backward and which now jumps to Chuck himself (Tom Hiddleston), a middle-aged and largely undistinguished accountant in town for a conference. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 June 2025 The images Thompson took of Handler and Andrew Stern — from a triptych of Andrew’s varying facial expressions to one of Handler tossing her arms affectionately around him — reflect that serendipity. Malina Saval, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025 The slender openings between each triptych frame of the quadriptych reveal the rolling hills, verdant fields, and woodlands, drawing us even closer to the monumental installation and underscoring the poetic alliance of sculpture and landscape that defines the ethos of Storm King. Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 Maria is the third film in Larraín’s English-language triptych exploring iconic female protagonists, following 2016’s Jackie and 2021’s Spencer. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for triptych

Word History

Etymology

Greek triptychos having three folds, from tri- + ptychē fold

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of triptych was in 1731

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Cite this Entry

“Triptych.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/triptych. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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