triplet
B2Neutral to formal; common in technical and scientific contexts
Definition
Meaning
a group or set of three, especially three of the same kind connected together
Can refer to: three notes played in the time of two in music; three children born at one birth; a group of three similar items such as lines of poetry, particles in physics, or codons in genetics.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a close connection or inherent grouping of three items; not just any three random items.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The term is used identically in core meanings across both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with multiple births ('triplets') and technical groupings.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English in historical/poetic contexts (e.g., 'triplet' referring to a three-line stanza).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] + triplet(s)[have] + triplet(s)[a/the] triplet of + [noun][play/sing] + a tripletVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly; the word itself functions as a specific term.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in specific contexts like 'triplet strategy' for three-pronged approaches.
Academic
Common in genetics (DNA codon triplets), physics (quark triplets), and musicology.
Everyday
Primarily used to refer to three siblings born at the same time.
Technical
Core usage in music (note grouping), physics, computing (colour triplets), and biology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The composer chose to triplet those quavers for a swinging feel.
American English
- The arranger decided to triplet those eighth notes to create a shuffle rhythm.
adverb
British English
- The notes were played triplet, against the duple metre.
American English
- Sing this group triplet, not in straight time.
adjective
British English
- The triplet rhythm is characteristic of a hemiola.
American English
- The triplet figure is essential to jazz syncopation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- They have three babies. They are triplets.
- Look, one, two, three – a triplet of kittens.
- My cousins are identical triplets, so it's hard to tell them apart.
- In the song, the pianist plays a quick triplet.
- The genetic code is read in nucleotide triplets called codons.
- The famous artist created a series of paintings based on the triplet theme.
- Quantum chromodynamics describes baryons as triplets of quarks.
- The poet employed a subtle triplet rhyme scheme to unify the stanza.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'triple' + 't' – a 'triple-t' group. Like triple, but as a tight-knit noun unit.
Conceptual Metaphor
THREE IS A BOUND UNIT (The three are perceived as a single, inseparable entity)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not to be confused with 'тройка' (troika) which implies a vehicle or a governing group of three people.
- In music, 'triplet' is specifically 'триоль' (triol'). A direct translation as 'триплет' exists but is technical.
- The everyday meaning (siblings) is 'тройня' (troynya).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'triplets' to refer to any three people (e.g., 'We are triplets going to the cinema'). Incorrect unless they are siblings born together.
- Confusing 'triplet' (noun) with 'triple' (verb/adjective).
- Misspelling as 'triplett'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'triplet' LEAST likely to be used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'trio' is any group of three people or things performing or working together (e.g., a musical band). A 'triplet' implies a more inherent, often biological or structural, grouping of three identical or very similar units (e.g., siblings, notes in a specific rhythm).
Yes, though it's specialized. In music notation, to 'triplet' a group of notes means to mark them to be played as a triplet (three in the time of two).
No. While the most common everyday use is for siblings, it has important uses in music, physics, genetics, and computing.
Quadruplets. The pattern continues with quintuplets (5), sextuplets (6), etc.
Explore