trilogy
Americannoun
plural
trilogies-
a series or group of three plays, novels, operas, etc., that, although individually complete, are closely related in theme, sequence, or the like.
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(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.
-
a group of three related things.
noun
-
a series of three related works, esp in literature, etc
-
(in ancient Greece) a series of three tragedies performed together at the Dionysian festivals
Etymology
Origin of trilogy
From the Greek word trilogía, dating back to 1655–65. See tri-, -logy
Explanation
If you’ve just started a trilogy of books, you’ll be reading for a while. A trilogy is something that has three parts, so you'll have three books to read. You can see the tri-, meaning "three," in trilogy. The word originates from the Greek word trilogia, meaning "series of three related tragedies performed at Athens at the festival of Dionysus." Today, you can use trilogy to describe three of anything, such as a trilogy of movies that has the same characters, settings, and themes.
Vocabulary lists containing trilogy
100 SAT Words Beginning with "T"
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This Week In Words: Current Events Vocab for December 26, 2020—January 1, 2021
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"Tested by a Picturesque Dystopia"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
According to Variety, the studio has been auditioning actors for the last few weeks and has tapped “Game of Thrones” and “Star Wars” sequel trilogy casting director Nina Gold for the process.
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026
Throughout the Cal Hooper trilogy, what is said—and left unsaid—is as important as what happens.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
Shannon Bream, anchor of “Fox News Sunday” and the network’s chief legal correspondent, recently completed her Bible trilogy.
From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026
He co-wrote and played the title role in a Dostoyevsky trilogy for the Bristol New Vic company in 1980-81.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026
Nathan got carsick while reading the first book of the trilogy that he had checked out.
From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
