triple threat

noun

1
: a football player adept at running, kicking, and passing
2
: a person adept in three different fields of activity
triple-threat
ˈtri-pəl-ˈthret How to pronounce triple threat (audio)
adjective

Examples of triple threat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With multiple lead roles in movies, Houston also pioneered the triple threat (singing, acting, and dancing), inspiring other Black female artists like Queen Latifah and Beyoncé to achieve the same legacy. — Lisa Whittington-Hill, Longreads, 27 Aug. 2026 Proving to be a triple threat, Glover also released two studio rap albums under the name Childish Gambino during Community‘s run and shot a buzzy guest spot on HBO’s Girls in 2013. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026 To the world, McRae is a strong, fearless entertainer, a triple threat who can pen songs that recall the fizzy pop of the early aughts and bring them to life as a ferocious singer and dancer. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026 This episode was the final build for Saturday's WWE Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, featuring the King and Queen of the Ring finals and a triple threat WWE Championship match. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for triple threat

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of triple threat was in 1920

Rhymes for triple threat

See All Rhymes for triple threat

Browse Nearby Words

triple thread
triple threat
triple-throw switch
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Triple threat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/triple%20threat. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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