noun

trifecta

treye-FEHK-tuh

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Trifecta (noun) means a bet where you must correctly pick the first three finishers of a race, in order. Example: “He won big after nailing the trifecta at the racetrack.”

noun

A bet where you must correctly pick the first three finishers of a race, in order.

"He won big after nailing the trifecta at the racetrack."

A set of three related achievements, qualities, or events, often happening together.

"She pulled off the trifecta of a new job, a new house, and a new car in one year."

"Rain, wind, and cold made for a miserable trifecta on match day."

How to use trifecta

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOriginally a horse-racing bet on three winners in order; now widely used for "three things happening together."

Common pairings

pull off the trifecta hit the trifecta

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: trifectas

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He won big after nailing the _____ at the racetrack.

Etymology

Formed from tri- ("three") plus the ending from (per)fecta, a betting term.

Frequently asked questions

What does “trifecta” mean?

The word “trifecta” means a bet where you must correctly pick the first three finishers of a race, in order. In plain terms, originally a horse-racing bet on three winners in order; now widely used for "three things happening together.".

How do you pronounce “trifecta”?

“Trifecta” is pronounced treye-FEHK-tuh (/tɹaɪˈfɛktə/ in IPA).

How do you use “trifecta” in a sentence?

Here is “trifecta” used in a sentence: “He won big after nailing the trifecta at the racetrack.”

What part of speech is “trifecta”?

“Trifecta” is a noun.

How many meanings does “trifecta” have?

“Trifecta” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a bet where you must correctly pick the first three finishers of a race, in order.