Triplet
A group of three notes played in the time normally occupied by two notes of the same value.
Category
rhythm
Pronunciation
/ˈtrɪplɪt/
Origin
From triple (Latin triplex)
Length
208 words · 2 min read
About Triplet
A triplet divides a beat (or other rhythmic unit) into three equal parts instead of the usual two, creating a distinctive lilt or swing. It is marked with a small number 3 above or below the note group, often with a bracket.
More rhythm terms
Time Signature
View all rhythmterms →A notational convention indicating how many beats are in each bar and which note value gets one beat
BarA segment of music bounded by bar lines, containing a fixed number of beats
QuaverA note lasting half a beat in common time, equivalent to an eighth note in American terminology.
AnacrusisOne or more notes that precede the first full bar of a piece, functioning as an upbeat or pickup.
Compound timeTime signatures in which each beat subdivides naturally into three equal parts.
Synonyms
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See Also
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →