English Reference

Word

trio

US/ˈtɹiˌoʊ/

UK/tɹˈiːəʊ/

Definitions

01a group of three

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a group of three people or things that are often seen together.

n. a set or group of three people or things, often implying a close relationship or shared purpose.

“The famous trio of friends always sat at the same table for lunch.”

“The novel follows a trio of investigators as they navigate the complex political landscape of post-war Europe.”

02musical group

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Music

n. a group of three musicians who perform together.

n. a musical ensemble consisting of three performers.

“The jazz trio played late into the night at the local club.”

“The piano trio, consisting of a violinist, a cellist, and a pianist, received a standing ovation for their technical precision.”

Synonyms

03musical composition

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Music

n. a piece of music written to be played by three people.

n. a musical composition written for three voices or instruments.

“The students practiced a difficult trio by Mozart for their final exam.”

“Schubert's late chamber works include a hauntingly beautiful trio that challenges even the most seasoned performers.”

Synonyms

04musical section

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Music Technical

n. a middle section of a piece of music, like a minuet or a march.

n. the second or middle section of a musical movement, such as a minuet, scherzo, or march, typically contrasting in texture or key.

“The band played the trio of the march more softly than the opening.”

“In many classical symphonies, the trio provides a lyrical contrast to the more rhythmic character of the surrounding minuet.”

Synonyms

05creamy cocktail

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Cooking Technical

n. a type of cocktail made with a spirit, a sweet liqueur, and cream.

n. a category of mixed drink consisting of a base spirit, a liqueur, and a cream-based ingredient.

“A Brandy Alexander is a classic trio served after dinner.”

“The bartender specialized in trios, carefully balancing the heavy cream with high-proof spirits to ensure the drink remained sophisticated.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “trio” in context.

Verb

01. complete the trio

“The arrival of the final guest served to complete the trio of old friends.”

verb + noun

02. form a trio

“The three musicians decided to form a trio after meeting at the conservatory.”

verb + noun

Adjective

03. formidable trio

“With their combined expertise, they made a formidable trio in the courtroom.”

adj + noun

04. talented trio

“The talented trio received a standing ovation for their performance of the jazz standard.”

adj + noun

05. unlikely trio

“The cat, the dog, and the duckling were an unlikely trio that became inseparable.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. trio of factors

“The economic collapse was caused by a trio of factors: inflation, debt, and low exports.”

noun + of + noun

07. trio of musicians

“A trio of musicians played soft classical music in the corner of the restaurant.”

noun + of + noun

Real-World Examples

“A trio of choughs – Cornwall’s national bird – hopped around on the hillside, looking a little less graceful than usual.”
The Guardian 12 Aug 2026
“New images from the James Webb telescope show a galaxy with a trio of supermassive black holes.”
The New York Times 12 Aug 2026
“We follow a trio of budding medical interns – JD, Elliot and Turk – as they grow and become well-rounded doctors and human beings.”
The Guardian 10 Aug 2026

Related words

Domain

Music

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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