trilogy
Trilogy (noun) means a set of three related works, such as novels or films, connected by story, characters, or theme. Example: “The original Star Wars trilogy remains a cultural landmark.”
How to use trilogy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA story or series told across exactly three connected parts.
Word forms
trilogies plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The original Star Wars _____ remains a cultural landmark.
Etymology
From Greek trilogia, built from tri- ("three") and -logy.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for trilogy
See all rhymes for trilogy →Frequently asked questions
What does “trilogy” mean?
The word “trilogy” means a set of three related works, such as novels or films, connected by story, characters, or theme. In plain terms, a story or series told across exactly three connected parts.
How do you pronounce “trilogy”?
“Trilogy” is pronounced TRIH-luhd-zhee (/ˈtɹɪləd͡ʒi/ in IPA).
How do you use “trilogy” in a sentence?
Here is “trilogy” used in a sentence: “The original Star Wars trilogy remains a cultural landmark.”
What part of speech is “trilogy”?
“Trilogy” is a noun.
Where does the word “trilogy” come from?
The word “trilogy” comes from Greek. From Greek trilogia, built from tri- ("three") and -logy.
Is “trilogy” a common word?
“Trilogy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a trilogy and a series?
A trilogy is specifically a set of three related works, such as novels or films, connected by story, characters, or theme, while a series can consist of any number of installments, including more than three. Every trilogy is a kind of series, but not every series is a trilogy, since the term trilogy is reserved strictly for sets of three.
Can a trilogy include works in different formats, like a book and a film?
Typically, a trilogy refers to three related works of the same kind, such as three novels or three films, connected by story, characters, or theme. Mixed-format sets are less commonly called a trilogy, since the term usually implies consistency of medium across the three works.
What makes three works count as a trilogy rather than three unrelated works?
For three works to count as a trilogy, they must be connected by story, characters, or theme rather than simply sharing an author or being released around the same time. This shared narrative or thematic thread is what distinguishes a trilogy from a coincidental set of three separate works.