treble

American  

[treb-uhl] / ˈtrɛb əl /

adjective

1. threefold; triple.

2. Music.

   1. of or relating to the highest part in harmonized music; soprano.

   2. of the highest pitch or range, as a voice part, voice, singer, or instrument.

   3. high in pitch; shrill.

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noun

1. Music.

   1. the treble or soprano part.

   2. a treble voice, singer, or instrument.

2. a high or shrill voice or sound.

3. the highest-pitched peal of a bell.

verb (used with or without object)

trebled, trebling

1. to make or become three times as much or as many; triple.

treble British  

/ ˈtrɛbəl /

adjective

1. threefold; triple

2. of, relating to, or denoting a soprano voice or part or a high-pitched instrument

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noun

1. three times the amount, size, etc

2. a soprano voice or part or a high-pitched instrument

3. the highest register of a musical instrument

4. 1. the high-frequency response of an audio amplifier, esp in a record player or tape recorder

   2. a control knob on such an instrument by means of which the high-frequency gain can be increased or decreased

5. Leisure:Bell-ringing the lightest and highest bell in a ring

6. 1. the narrow inner ring on a dartboard

   2. a hit on this ring

verb

1. to make or become three times as much

Other Word Forms

• trebleness
  noun
• trebly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of treble

1275–1325; (adj. and noun) Middle English < Middle French < Latin triplus triple; (v.) Middle English treblen, derivative of the adj.

Explanation

Something that's treble has three parts or sections. You could describe a tricycle as a treble wheeled vehicle. You can use the adjective treble to mean "triple," either because it's three times as large, or has three components. If you watch three movies in a row at a theater, you can call it a treble feature. A three-headed monster can also be described as treble headed. Another meaning of treble is a high-pitched singing voice, especially a boy's. Treble comes from the Latin word triplus, or "threefold."

Example Sentences

If Donald manages to complete a rare Treble, like Fergie did in 1999, his place in the pantheon of British sporting leaders will also be secured.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Given they won the Treble, Paris St-Germain players were always going to dominate this list.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

Erling has won the Treble with City, another title too and trophies in Austria and Germany.

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2025

He came close to breaking that record in his first season by scoring 52 goals, helping City to a Treble of trophies, before netting 38 and 34 in the past two campaigns.

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2025

“I should have gone to the garret had I wished,” Mrs. Treble said, scornfully.

From The Corner House Girls How they moved to Milton, what they found, and what they did by Hill, Grace Brooks

Related Words

• high-pitched
• soprano