trilogy

[ tril-uh-jee ]

noun

, plural tril·o·gies.

1. a series or group of three plays, novels, operas, etc., that, although individually complete, are closely related in theme, sequence, or the like.
2. (in ancient Greek drama) a series of three complete and usually related tragedies performed at the festival of Dionysus and forming a tetralogy with the satyr play.
3. a group of three related things.

trilogy

/ ˈtrɪlədʒɪ /

noun

1. a series of three related works, esp in literature, etc
2. (in ancient Greece) a series of three tragedies performed together at the Dionysian festivals

Word History and Origins

Origin of trilogy¹

From the Greek word trilogía, dating back to 1655–65. See tri-, -logy

Word History and Origins

Origin of trilogy¹

C19: from Greek trilogia ; see tri- , -logy

Example Sentences

The latest film, "Transformers One," was released earlier this fall, and was being considered for the first of a trilogy, although it had underperformed at the box office due to competition.

From Salon

During his career, Jones helped mold Michael Jackson into a mega-star by producing a trilogy of albums that made the pop singer arguably the best-known musician in the world, raised tens of millions for Ethiopian famine victims by producing the bestselling song “We Are the World” and won 28 Grammy awards, more than any artist aside Beyonce and George Solti.

From Los Angeles Times

That win by Taylor avenged the only defeat of her career and speaking to BBC Sport on Tuesday she did not rule out a trilogy bout with Cameron, who won the first contest in May 2023.

From BBC

Three Women is a three-part artwork known as a triptych, that features subjects referenced in one of her previous works, Trilogy.

From BBC

From a trilogy bout to the winner facing Dubois in an undisputed battle, a number of permutations and outcomes for the division hinge on the result of this rematch.

From BBC

Related Words

• threesome
• triad
• troika