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

To be sure, the party is still in an exceedingly difficult position, unable to effectively fight back against a Republican trifecta in Washington and facing widespread frustration from its voters. —Mike Lillis, The Hill, 3 Apr. 2025

While the Negan-Maggie-Lucille trifecta will be in full force, season 2 of Dead City will have some new faces as well, and the trailer gives our first extended look at Sons of Anarchy's Kim Coates. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025

Aaron Rodgers has just one more stop to complete the entire Brett Favre trifecta. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025

Deregulation rounded out his trifecta, with a pledge to axe ten regulations for every new one, freeing businesses from bureaucratic shackles to expand and onboard staff. —Jack Kelly, Forbes, 5 Mar. 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