triple

1 of 3

verb

tri·​ple ˈtri-pəl 

tripled; tripling ˈtri-p(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to make three times as great or as many

2

a

: to score (a base runner) by a triple

b

: to bring about the scoring of (a run) by a triple

intransitive verb

1

: to become three times as great or as numerous

their profits tripled last year

2

: to make a triple in baseball

triple

2 of 3

noun

1

a

: a triple sum, quantity, or number

b

: a combination, group, or series of three

2

: a base hit that allows the batter to reach third base safely

3

: trifecta sense 2

triple

3 of 3

adjective

1

: being three times as great or as many

2

: having or involving three units or members

triple bypass heart surgery

3

: having a threefold relation or character

worked as a double or even triple agent

—Time

4

a

: three times repeated : treble

b

: having three full revolutions

a triple somersault

a triple lutz

5

: marked by three beats per musical measure

triple meter

6

a

: having units of three components

triple feet

b

of rhyme : involving correspondence of three syllables (as in unfortunate-importunate)

Synonyms

Noun

• threesome
• triad
• trifecta
• trinity
• trio
• triplet
• triumvirate

Adjective

• threefold
• treble
• triadic
• tripartite
• triplex

Examples of triple in a Sentence

Verb

He tripled his winnings at the track.

The town's population has tripled in size.

He tripled to right field.

Noun

that triple of terrors for the wintertime driver: snow, ice, and sleet

Adjective

She got a new job with triple the salary of her old one.

He ordered a triple espresso.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the number of Lyme disease cases reported in the state has tripled over the past 15 years. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

During the same period, the share of households earning more than $100,000 essentially tripled, from 14 percent to 41 percent. —Norbert Michel, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Noun

The latter band is the only English act other than Smith to score such a triple with a breakthrough hit. —Gary Trust, Billboard, 6 Dec. 2024

Memphis’ 3-point shooting and toughness are legit Hardaway’s team entered Monday as the nation’s third-best 3-point shooting team, hitting 45.9 percent of its triples during its 4-0 start. —Brendan Marks, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

Adjective

There are even resellers charging double or triple the original retail price. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024

Wow your guests with a triple chocolate and candied orange Panettone, cranberry pistachio babka, Breton-style Kouign Amann or the stunning chocolate caramel gateau. —Laura Ness, The Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English (Scots), from Late Latin triplare, from Latin triplus, adjective

Noun

Middle English, from Latin triplus, adjective

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin triplus, from tri- + -plus multiplied by — more at -fold

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing triple

• triple-A
• triple-A battery
• triple bogey
• triple bond
• triple counterpoint
• triple-decker
• triple-double
• triple E
• triple-header
• triple jump
• triple play
• triple point
• triple sec
• triple-space
• triple-team
• triple threat
• triple-tongue

Kids Definition

triple

1 of 3 verb

tri·​ple ˈtrip-əl 

tripled; tripling ˈtrip-(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to make or become three times as great or as many : multiply by three

their profits tripled last year

2

: to make a triple in baseball

triple

2 of 3 noun

1

a

: a triple sum, quantity, or number

b

: a combination, group, or series of three

2

: a hit in baseball that permits a batter to reach third base safely

triple

3 of 3 adjective

1

: being three times as great or as many

2

: having three units or parts

3

a

: three times repeated

b

: having three full revolutions

a triple somersault