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

Kaeng Krachan National Park is no stranger to rare sightings, including the announcement of trail cameras that recorded a mother Bengal tiger and her triplets for the first time earlier this year. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2025

Amateur astronomers, as part of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), have been tracking the brightness variations of the visible star in the T Tauri triplet for decades. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 23 Jan. 2025

Vivian and Griffin are twins born in 2004, and Kai, Saxon and Damian are triplets born in 2006. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 31 Oct. 2024

The sisters — who are part of a set of triplets — were last seen on CCTV footage on Market Street at the Victoria Bridge near the River Dee in Aberdeen at around 2:12 a.m. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025

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