C1noun 2K

Trio

UK /["/ˈtriːəʊ/"]/ US /["/ˈtriːəʊ/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

a group of three people or things

Listen to definition

In simple words: A group of three people or things.

Examples

• A trio of English runners featured in the women’s 1 500 metres.
• The trio is/are performing at the jazz festival.
• a trio for piano, oboe and bassoon

Usage notes

Use 'trio' in contexts involving music, teams, or any groups of three. Avoid in formal writing where 'group of three' may be preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'trio' as three musicians playing in harmony — a band of three.

Collocations

• musical trio
• comedy trio
• trio of friends

Synonyms

• threesome
• triplet
• trinity

Antonyms

• solo
• pair

Common mistakes

• Using 'trios' as a plural noun instead of 'trio'
• Confusing 'trio' with 'duo' (two people)
• Mispronouncing it as 'tree-oh'