Definition

1. Noun:
   • A group of three people or things considered as a single unit: A set or collection of three members, often closely associated or working together.
   • A group of three musicians or singers who perform together: An ensemble consisting of three performers.
   • A piece of music written for three performers: A musical composition designed to be played or sung by three people.
   • The number three: The cardinal numeral that follows two and precedes four.

Usage and Examples

• As a group of three people:
  • The investigation was conducted by a trio of detectives.
  • A trio of friends set out on the journey together.
• As a group of three musicians:
  • The jazz trio performed at the club every Friday night.
  • She plays piano in a classical piano trio.
• As a musical composition:
  • The concert featured a piano trio by Beethoven.
  • He composed a trio for violin, cello, and piano.
• As a set of three similar items:
  • The artist created a trio of paintings on the same theme.
  • A trio of vases stood on the mantelpiece.

Advanced Usage

• "Trio" in specific musical contexts: Often specifies the instruments, e.g., a (typically piano, violin, cello) or a (often piano, bass, drums).
  • The string trio's repertoire includes works by Mozart.
• Used metaphorically to describe three interconnected elements, concepts, or forces.
  • The novel explores the dark trio of jealousy, greed, and ambition.

Variants and Related Words

• Triad (n): A group or set of three connected people or things. (Often used in broader contexts, including music, sociology, or chemistry).
• Triplet (n): One of three children born at the same time to the same mother; also, a group of three similar things.
• Triumvirate (n): A political group of three people who share power. (More specific and formal than "trio").
• Threesome (n): A group of three people. (Can be informal and general).

Synonyms

• Threesome: A group of three people.
• Triple: Consisting of three parts or members.
• Trinity: A group of three people or things, especially one with a sacred or unified character.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Trio of (phrase): Used to introduce the three members of the group.
  • The plan was developed by a trio of experts.
• Form a trio (phrase): To come together as a group of three, especially to perform music.
  • The musicians decided to form a trio after meeting at the festival.

Noun

1. three people considered as a unit
2. a set of three similar things considered as a unit
3. three performers or singers who perform together
4. a musical composition for three performers
5. the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one