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

• trio
• triad

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

Twenty years later, her triplet daughters set out to uncover the truth about their mom in a world full of secrets. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 7 June 2025

Sunny and Gizmo hatched in March but their triplet sibling died after a snowstorm brought more than 2 feet of snow to the area. —Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025

Red panda triplets are extremely rare, zoo officials said. —Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 28 May 2025

The least common is monozygotic – one egg splits into three separate embryos (this would only be 10 percent of all triplet births). —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 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