triumvirate

[ trahy-uhm-ver-it, -vuh-reyt ]

noun

1. Roman History. the office or magistracy of a triumvir.
2. a government of three officers or magistrates functioning jointly.
3. a coalition of three magistrates or rulers for joint administration.
4. any association of three in office or authority.
5. any group or set of three.

triumvirate

/ traɪˈʌmvɪrɪt /

noun

1. in ancient Rome
   1. a board of three officials jointly responsible for some task
   2. the political alliance of Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey, formed in 60 bc ( First Triumvirate )
   3. the coalition and joint rule of the Roman Empire by Antony, Lepidus, and Octavian, begun in 43 bc ( Second Triumvirate )
2. any joint rule by three men
3. any group of three men associated in some way
4. the office of a triumvir

Word History and Origins

Origin of triumvirate¹

From the Latin word triumvirātus, dating back to 1575–85. See triumvir, -ate ³

Example Sentences

He is obviously the second piece in the Lakers’ Big Three, a trio required to compete for a championship, a triumvirate that is one player short.

From Los Angeles Times

I’m not saying that is necessarily the holy triumvirate.

From Los Angeles Times

The crouton may reach its pinnacle of simple greatness in a Caesar, as one-third of the triumvirate — including anchovy-rich, creamy dressing and Parmesan — joining forces to make mere romaine amazing.

From Seattle Times

This is, however, just one of the shared aims of the tough triumvirate.

From BBC

The triumvirate created one of the most successful dynasties in sports and the third most valuable franchise, worth an estimated $7 billion.

From New York Times

Related Words

• threesome
• triad
• troika