triptych

[ trip-tik ]

noun

1. Fine Arts. a set of three panels or compartments side by side, bearing pictures, carvings, or the like.
2. a hinged, three-leaved tablet, written on, in ancient times, with a stylus.

triptych

/ ˈtrɪptɪk /

noun

1. a set of three pictures or panels, usually hinged so that the two wing panels fold over the larger central one: often used as an altarpiece
2. a set of three hinged writing tablets

Word History and Origins

Origin of triptych¹

1725–35; < Greek tríptychos of three plates, equivalent to tri- tri- + ptych- (stem of ptýx ) plate + -os adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of triptych¹

C18: from Greek triptukhos , from tri- + ptux plate; compare diptych

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

Claudette Johnson’s new artwork honours the Black female experience through this bold triptych, continuing Art on the Underground's exploration of contemporary responses to muralism at Brixton station.

From BBC

A “Black Lives Matter” triptych, made for the Central Library’s “21 Collections” exhibition, sat above the fireplace.

From Los Angeles Times

On Max, the third episode of the Texas docuseries triptych “God Save Texas” takes an intimate and personal look at border life in El Paso, while Tubi has become the new home for “As I Walk Through the Valley,” an in-depth look at the history of rock ‘n’ roll in the Rio Grande Valley.

From Los Angeles Times

Larraín’s film, which screens at the New York Film Festival before a select theatrical run starting Nov. 27 and a Netflix release Dec. 11, finishes the director’s triptych of contemplative, women-focused biopics, this time honing in on Greek opera legend Maria Callas.

From Salon

Related Words

• threesome
• triad
• troika