The Meaning of Trifecta: What It Is and How To Use It

Do you know the definition of trifecta? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word trifecta, including its definition, etymology, usage, example sentences, and more!

Your writing, at its best

Compose bold, clear, mistake-free, writing with Grammarly's AI-powered writing assistant

What does the word trifecta mean?

According to Collins English Dictionary and the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, a trifecta is a noun. This can refer to any achievement that involves three successful outcomes, and specifically refers to a form of betting in which the punter selects the first three place-winners in a horse race in the correct order. Trifecta is three syllables – tri-fec-ta, and the pronunciation of trifecta is traɪˈfɛktə. 

In horse races, this type of bet is then the bettor ranks the horses in first place, second place, and third place correctly. Such bets have long odds and difficult attainment rates, but trifectas are important achievements. A trifecta bet is rare to come by in the US system of betting but this parimutuel bet as well as a boxed trifecta can have high returns at a place like the Kentucky Derby.

A trifecta can also be used in specific circumstances to refer to the complete legislative and executive control of state government by one party of the federal government in the presidency and both houses of Congress, also known as the positions of power of the governorship, the upper house, and the lower house of state legislatures. The party that holds all three positions of power is said to have a trifecta. According to Urban Dictionary, trifecta is also a slang word for a sexual act in which the penis is inserted into the holes of a meretricious woman – mouth, vagina, and anus – in that order in one night, also known as the “yapper snapper and crapper” or hooking up with an old grandma, mom, and daughter all from the same bloodline on the same day. One must take into consideration the legality of the daughter in the latter trifecta. Additionally, a trifecta can refer to the family of Franz Ferdinand and is acknowledged to be the direct cause of the first World War in human history.

There are many different languages that also use words that mean trifecta. You may notice that some of these translations look and sound similar to the word trifecta. These cognates are often formed when two words of different languages share a common origin, such as Latin or Greek. This list of translations of trifecta is provided by Word Sense. A trifecta is known as a tricast in the UK, a tierce in Hong Kong, a triactor in Canada and a tiercé in France. In New Zealand and Australia, they use the word trifecta.

What are synonyms and antonyms of trifecta?

There are many different words that can be used in place of the word trifecta. These are called synonyms, which are words and phrases that have the same definition as another word or phrase. Synonyms are useful to know if you are trying to avoid repeating yourself or if you are simply looking to expand your vocabulary! This list of synonyms is provided by Power Thesaurus.

  •  trio
  •  triplicate
  •  threes
  •  triplet
  •  triple
  •  threesome
  •  bet
  •  treble
  •  triple-a
  •  three-fold
  •  threefold
  •  otriad
  •  trinity
  •  perfecta
  •  tiercé
  •  noughts
  •  three-pronged
  •  kind
  •  three-way
  •  victoire
  •  triad
  •  tertian
  •  trios
  •  three-time
  •  hat-trick
  •  triplets
  •  three
  •  triumvirate
  •  thruple
  •  terce

What are other horse racing terms?

There are many different terms that a person may hear if they go to a horse race. The world of horse racing contains many confusing terms which may not seem to have any relation to the sport of horse racing at all. To a novice horse racing fan these might not mean anything. However, learning these terms is important to be successful at betting on horse racing. Take a look at this list of horse racing jargon from Racing Post and see how many of these different horse racing terms you are familiar with. Try and learn them so you can participate in conversations at your next horse race.

  •  Silks
  •  Boxed in
  •  Colt
  •  Odds
  •  On the bridle
  •  Tongue-tie
  •  Hurdles
  •  Novice
  •  Handicap
  •  Triple Crown
  •  Visor
  •  Connections
  •  Classic
  •  Age
  •  Punter
  •  Graded race
  •  Dam
  •  Declared
  •  Sire
  •  Handicapper
  •  Staying on
  •  Off the bridle
  •  Dead-heat
  •  Nap
  •  Open ditch
  •  All-weather
  •  Chase
  •  Pulled up
  •  Allowance
  •  Turn of foot
  •  Stud
  •  Yard
  •  Maiden
  •  Photo finish
  •  In-running
  •  Racecard
  •  Backward
  •  Nursery
  •  Yearling
  •  Listed race
  •  Furlong
  •  Bumper
  •  Sprinter
  •  Clerk of the course
  •  Brought down
  •  Mare
  •  Whip
  •  Broodmare
  •  Stewards’ inquiry
  •  Fences
  •  Stalls
  •  Bridle
  •  Blinkers
  •  Hacked up
  •  Abandoned
  •  Black type
  •  Banker
  •  Outsider
  •  Draw
  •  Form
  •  Schooling
  •  Gallop
  •  Noseband
  •  Under starter’s orders
  •  Bit
  •  Foal
  •  Filly
  •  Pushed out
  •  Tattersalls
  •  Neck
  •  One-paced
  •  Weighed in
  •  Stallion
  •  Breeze-up
  •  Undulating
  •  Gelding
  •  Hood
  •  Pulling
  •  Claimer
  •  Juvenile
  •  Pacemaker
  •  Betting ring
  •  GoingStick
  •  Length
  •  Cheekpieces
  •  Non-runner
  •  Thoroughbred
  •  Going
  •  Paddock
  •  National Hunt
  •  Ante-post
  •  Bloodstock
  •  Parade ring

How can the word trifecta be used in a sentence?

The word trifecta can be used in many ways in the English language. Using words in a sentence is a great way to remember their definitions. You can also try making flashcards or quizzes for yourself to test your knowledge of the English language. Try using this word of the day in a sentence today! Below are several examples of trifecta to get you started.

The little girl at the horse race won thousands of dollars in a trifecta. Her father let her bet ten dollars and she chose the correct first, second and third place based on how much she liked their names and coloring. The underdog she placed first came from behind to win it all.

It was the perfect trifecta on the night of our engagement. A surprisingly warm autumn night, a beautiful sunset, and a quiet trail.

Overall, the word trifecta means an achievement in threes. This is often used in horse racing.

Sources:

  1. Trifecta | Urban Dictionary 
  2. Trifecta definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary 
  3. Trifecta | Word Sense
  4. Trifecta synonyms – 30 Words and Phrases for Trifecta | Power Thesaurus 
  5. Horse Racing Terms – Guide to Horse Racing | Racing Post