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 of trio

• 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

Judge Nicholas Rowland’s decision to issue youth rehabilitation orders, or child community sentences, to the trio was widely criticized in Britain’s press. —Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 3 June 2026

At the top of the year, Glasshouse Fragrances launched Sunlit Saltwater, which blends sea salt with a floral trio of jasmine sambac, beach rose, and French orris. —Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 3 June 2026

The defense is disciplined, squeezing pressure from its trio of wings. —Esfandiar Baraheni, New York Times, 3 June 2026

The trio of newborns brings the herd to about 105 horses, which remains below the target population of 120 to 130. —Mark Price june 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026

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
• beaut
• beaux
• blow
• 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