noun
tryst
trihst
Tryst (noun) means a private meeting arranged in advance, especially a romantic one between lovers. Example: “They kept their tryst secret from everyone at the office.”
noun
1
A private meeting arranged in advance, especially a romantic one between lovers.
"A silence supreme and altogether European. Shutters drawn, shops barred. A red glow here and there to mark a tryst."
— Henry Miller, Tropic of Cancer (1934)
"They kept their tryst secret from everyone at the office."
"The letters hinted at a tryst planned for the following weekend."
"But, for the most part, we shall mark our progress to the dawn of life by the measure of those 40 natural milestones, the trysts that enrich our pilgrimage."
— Richard Dawkins, The Ancestor's Tale: A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Life (2004)
How to use tryst
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA secret or romantic meeting arranged ahead of time between two people.
When to use it
A slightly literary or old-fashioned word — everyday speech would usually just say "a date" or "meeting up."
Common pairings
a secret tryst
arrange a tryst
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Word forms
- Plural
- trysts
- Third person singular
- trysts
- Past tense
- trysted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They kept their _____ secret from everyone at the office.
Etymology
From Old French triste, a hunting term for a waiting spot, likely from a North Germanic word related to "trust."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for tryst
See all rhymes for tryst →Frequently asked questions
What does “tryst” mean?
The word “tryst” means a private meeting arranged in advance, especially a romantic one between lovers. In plain terms, a secret or romantic meeting arranged ahead of time between two people.
How do you pronounce “tryst”?
“Tryst” is pronounced trihst (/tɹɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “tryst” in a sentence?
Here is “tryst” used in a sentence: “They kept their tryst secret from everyone at the office.”
What part of speech is “tryst”?
“Tryst” is a noun.
Where does the word “tryst” come from?
The word “tryst” comes from Old French. From Old French triste, a hunting term for a waiting spot, likely from a North Germanic word related to "trust.".
