trifecta

[ trahy-fek-tuh ]

noun

1. Sports. Compare superfecta none.
   1. a type of bet, especially on horse races, in which the bettor must select the first three finishers in exact order.
   2. a race in which such bets are made.
2. a group, set, or series of three; a triad:

   Plain yogurt is the perfect food, with its trifecta of carbs, protein, and fat.

trifecta

/ traɪˈfɛktə /

noun

1. a form of betting in which the punter selects the first three place-winners in a horse race in the correct order
2. any achievement involving three successful outcomes

Word History and Origins

Origin of trifecta¹

First recorded in 1970–75; tri- + (per)fecta

Word History and Origins

Origin of trifecta¹

from tri- + ( per ) fecta , a US system of betting

Example Sentences

Republicans won another trifecta, as it is called when one party holds the state legislature and governorship, after their victory in the Montana’s governor race.

From Washington Post

The trifecta of wins added to investor optimism in the growing industry’s potential to rake in billions more in revenue.

From Fortune

However, Republicans have plenty of ways to stop a DFL trifecta even if they lose those two seats.

From FiveThirtyEight

Democrats already capitalized on their most realistic trifecta opportunities in 2018, but there are still a few states left where the party could take full control of government.

From FiveThirtyEight

Finally, there are two states where all three components of a trifecta are competitive in 2020, meaning either party could emerge with total control of government.

From FiveThirtyEight

Petty, shade, and thirst are my favorite human “virtues” and the trifecta of any good series of “stories.”

From The Daily Beast

Now, Lupita Nyong'o. Anna Wintour has hit the trifecta, delivering Vogue's readers with exactly what they want.

From The Daily Beast

Tfank, Thurman, and Prada were the trifecta that changed everything in 1995—even if it was accidental.

From The Daily Beast

He and his allies continue to control the courts, the military and the police—a brutal trifecta.

From The Daily Beast

This is a series led by the trifecta of Jessica Lange, Angela Bassett, and Kathy Bates, three actresses—imagine!

From The Daily Beast