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

Some of the biggest songs of the year were made by this pop trifecta. —Scottie Andrew, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024

But now, with a GOP trifecta heading into the new year, Clyde is looking to try again. —Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Dec. 2024

With the Republicans Party set to hold a trifecta of power beginning next year, the extended tax subsidies are unlikely to be renewed before the end of 2025. —Joseph Choi, The Hill, 6 Dec. 2024

Since that year, there have been nine lame-duck sessions in Michigan when Republicans had a trifecta. —Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

tri- + perfecta

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined at sense 2