What does trilogy mean?
A trilogy is a set of three related works, most often novels, plays, films, or other creative projects. The three parts usually share characters, setting, subject matter, or a continuing narrative, so that the group can be understood as a larger work. The word is especially associated with extended fictional series, such as fantasy, historical, or science-fiction trilogies, but it can also describe three connected works in other fields. A trilogy differs from a single long work mainly in its division into distinct parts, each of which may have its own title, publication date, performance, or release. Although a trilogy necessarily contains three works, its three parts may vary in length and prominence; the first instalment may be especially influential, while the concluding part provides a resolution. The term is common in both British and American English and is useful when discussing storytelling, adaptation, and artistic series.
nounA trilogy is a set of three related works, especially novels, plays, films, or other creative works that form a connected narrative or explore a common theme. The three parts may be published, performed, or released separately or as a complete series.
- A group of three related literary, dramatic, cinematic, or other creative works, usually forming a connected narrative or unified series.
"The director returned years later to complete the fantasy trilogy with its final instalment."
"The novel is the first instalment in a historical trilogy about the war and its aftermath."
"Many fans returned to see the final film in the director's dystopian trilogy."
The plural is used when referring to more than one trilogy, often across different authors, genres, or series.
"The festival screened several classic trilogies throughout the weekend."
Like the three parts of a well-made series, the name itself signals its shape: “tri-” means three, while “-logos” points to a work told in words or action.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does trilogy come from?
The English word trilogy was formed in the 17th century from the Greek compound trilógos, meaning a three-part drama or discourse. Its elements are tri-, meaning three, and -logos, meaning word, account, or reason. The sense later broadened beyond drama to encompass connected groups of three novels, films, and other works.
How trilogy is actually used
The term is generally used for three related works, not for a sequence containing an arbitrary number of parts. It is common in discussion of books, films, television, plays, and music, and can carry the connotation of an ambitious or carefully connected artistic series.
Easily confused with trilogy
A triptych most commonly refers to a three-panel artwork, although it can also describe a connected set of three works; a trilogy is primarily a literary, dramatic, or cinematic series.
A duology consists of two related works, whereas a trilogy consists of three.