# triad

/ˈtɹaɪˌæd/ (US) · /tɹˈaɪæd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/triad
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a group of three things or people that are connected in some way. In music, it is a chord made of three different notes.

For teachers: a group or set of three related people or things. In music theory, it refers specifically to a chord consisting of three distinct pitches, typically built in thirds.

## Examples

- The song starts with a simple major triad on the piano.
- The study focused on the triad of factors—poverty, lack of education, and poor health—that contribute to the cycle of inequality.
- The composer utilizes a series of dissonant triads to create a sense of unease before resolving the piece into a harmonious major key during the final movement.

## Usage notes

- Often used in academic or technical contexts to describe a structural relationship between three elements.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.