trifecta

noun

tri·​fec·​ta trī-ˈfek-tə 

ˈtrī-ˌfek-

1

: triple sense 1b

achieved a show-business trifecta : a platinum record, hit TV series, and an Oscar

2

: a variation of the perfecta in which a bettor wins by selecting the first three finishers of a race in the correct order of finish

Did you know?

Where does trifecta come from?

Trifecta is a recent addition to the English language. It first appeared in the early 1970s as a term for a horse-racing bet in which the first, second, and third place finishers are chosen in the correct order.

The word has since broadened in meaning: it can now also refer to a group of three (usually desirable) things (such as “the trifecta of curing cancer, ending hunger, and putting an end to war"). It is found in everything from advertisements to media company names to casual speech.

Trifecta combines the prefix tri- (meaning “three”) with the last element in perfecta, a word of American Spanish origin that refers to a horse-racing bet in which the first- and second-place finishers are chosen correctly.

Synonyms

• threesome
• triad
• trinity
• trio
• triple
• triplet
• triumvirate

Examples of trifecta in a Sentence

that summertime trifecta for meteorologically induced misery: hazy, hot, and humid

Recent Examples on the Web

With this Republican trifecta in place comes the opportunity to pass a reconciliation bill that not only extends the Trump tax cuts but also addresses the economic fallout from the Biden administration’s reckless regulatory and spending spree. —Stewart Whitson, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2025

The Miami Dolphins had a busy third day of the NFL draft, and concluded the trifecta of fifth round picks by selecting a safety. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025

Listen to this article Facing a trifecta of challenges, Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut legislators are struggling to balance the state budget despite uncertain times now and in the future. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 Apr. 2025

According to a press release received by Variety, Blumhouse will also bring back Annabelle and Ma to round out the trifecta of villainous chicas. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

tri- + perfecta

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for trifecta

• ejecta
• insecta
• analecta
• imperfecta
• recta