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

The simulations revealed that around 14% of these bodies are formed in pairs or triplets with separations around seven to 15 times the distance between the sun and Earth. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2025

The award-winning film tells the story of three identical triplets who were intentionally separated at birth and adopted into different families as part of an undisclosed experiment, and reunited later in life with heartbreaking repercussions. —Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2025

Bald eagles Jackie and Shadow could be parents to triplets as soon as their third egg starts to hatch in their snowy Southern California nest. —Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2025

According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), there were approximately 3,136 sets of triplets born in the U.S. in 2022. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

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