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

California Republicans lost key congressional seats in November but celebrated gains in the Legislature, a trifecta in Washington and party unity, as Democrats struggled with direction and messaging after a significant defeat. —Nicole Nixon, Sacramento Bee, 16 Mar. 2025

Now, as president with a Republican trifecta, Trump has thrown his support behind the full-year measure and urged members of the House Freedom Caucus to get behind the funding extension. —Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Mar. 2025

The Ducks completed an ignominious trifecta of unforced errors early in the third period. —Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 10 Mar. 2025

But if Washington recommits to this trifecta of tools, the United States will likely see faster productivity growth. —Matthew J. Slaughter, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 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