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

At the time, Cimini had no idea that Franny was pregnant until the triplets, Buttercup, Bubbles, and Blossom, arrived. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Musk has five other children: triplets with ex-wife Justine Wilson, and twins with Shivon Zilis, born shortly before Grimes' youngest child. —Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024

Zoom out: The likelihood of having triplets or more kids in a single pregnancy still increases with age. —Maya Goldman, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024

The show followed the Pittsburgh family through multiple eras, from the birth of their kids, to Jack’s untimely death, and the triplets’ adult lives, raising families of their own. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Oct. 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