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

Emily’s triplet, Charity, is alive and has taken Emily’s place. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 May 2025

There are murders, mafia rivalries, triplet sisters…and in between, Stephanie stumbles from one plot point to the next. —Hannah Madlener, Glamour, 2 May 2025

Soon' Ivanka Trump's Son Playing Football With Eagles' Saquon Barkley Goes Viral Beyoncé's Daughter Rumi Makes Rare Public Appearance on Cowboy Carter Tour The Instagram post included a video of triplets asking the virtual assistant Amazon Alexa to play Swift's songs for them. —Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025

The triplet poked through its shell and was mostly visible just after 2 a.m. Saturday. —Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 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