treble

[ treb-uhl ]

adjective

1. threefold; triple.
2. Music.
   1. of or relating to the highest part in harmonized music; soprano.
   2. of the highest pitch or range, as a voice part, voice, singer, or instrument.
   3. high in pitch; shrill.

noun

1. Music.
   1. the treble or soprano part.
   2. a treble voice, singer, or instrument.
2. a high or shrill voice or sound.
3. the highest-pitched peal of a bell.

verb (used with or without object)

trebled, trebling.

1. to make or become three times as much or as many; triple.

treble

/ ˈtrɛbəl /

adjective

1. threefold; triple
2. of, relating to, or denoting a soprano voice or part or a high-pitched instrument

noun

1. three times the amount, size, etc
2. a soprano voice or part or a high-pitched instrument
3. the highest register of a musical instrument
4. 1. the high-frequency response of an audio amplifier, esp in a record player or tape recorder
   2. a control knob on such an instrument by means of which the high-frequency gain can be increased or decreased
5. Leisure:Bell-ringing the lightest and highest bell in a ring
6. 1. the narrow inner ring on a dartboard
   2. a hit on this ring

verb

1. to make or become three times as much

Derived Forms

• ˈtrebly, adverbadjective
• ˈtrebleness, noun

Other Word Forms

• tre·bly [treb, -lee], adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of treble¹

1275–1325; (adj. and noun) Middle English < Middle French < Latin triplus triple; (v.) Middle English treblen, derivative of the adj.

Word History and Origins

Origin of treble¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin triplus threefold, triple

Example Sentences

The Cabinet Office has grown the most of any department proportionally, approximately trebling in size since the EU referendum.

From BBC

The Dane won five Premier Leagues, three FA Cups, one League Cup and a European Super Cup before signing off with the Champions League as part of a then unprecedented treble.

From BBC

They still have a chance of repeating last season's domestic treble and, with a Champions League quarter-final coming up against Aston Villa, a first European title is a serious possibility.

From BBC

Successful defendants may recover attorney’s fees and legal costs, and if a court finds the lawsuit was filed in retaliation, they may seek treble damages — up to three times the harm caused.

From Los Angeles Times

City had just beaten Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul to secure the treble of Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League trophies.

From BBC

Related Words

• high-pitched
• soprano