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 triplets were born with the same condition Ollie has: retinopathy of prematurity, a disease that occurs in premature babies and causes blindness. —Caitlin Keating, Peoplemag, 30 Mar. 2024

While some couples might welcome the idea of having twins or even triplets, there are higher risks associated with multiple gestation, Dr. Ryniec says. —Maressa Brown, Parents, 21 Feb. 2024

One recipe for chimerism begins during pregnancy with twins (or triplets, octuplets, etc.). —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024

Using data from the National Vital Statistics System, the analysis only looks at singleton births, since multiple births like twins and triplets tend to be born at earlier gestational ages, the authors note. —Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2024

Tang, who is married and has four adult children, including triplets, returned to California nearly five years ago, in part to help care for her elderly mother. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2024

Before the triplets came home, Zac was taking care of Charlie all day by himself. —Susan Young, Peoplemag, 22 Dec. 2023

Singlets are typically outnumbered by triplets three to one, explains UDC’s Hack. —IEEE Spectrum, 19 Dec. 2023

However, that increased the risk of triplets, quadruplets or more in some cases. —Lauren Dunn, NBC News, 24 Feb. 2024

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