WordValetriptych
a work made of three panels side by side
In more detail
1. (noun) a work of art (such as a painting or carving) consisting of three panels or sections joined together
2. (noun) a series or group of three related things, especially books or films
Examples
- 1. The artist created a beautiful triptych showing three scenes from ancient mythology.
- 2. The director's latest triptych of films tells the story of one family across three generations.
How to use triptych
Triptych is used primarily in art history and criticism to describe works physically divided into three sections, and more broadly in literary and film contexts to refer to any coherent series of three related works. The term carries a formal, specialized tone and suggests structural or thematic unity across the three parts.
Common phrases
- altar triptych
- painted triptych
- triptych novel
- triptych structure
- medieval triptych
- film triptych
Synonyms
trilogy · three-part work · diptych-related work · polyptych
Word family
triptychal · triptych (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse triptych with trilogy, but triptych emphasizes the physical or artistic structure of three connected panels or sections, whereas trilogy simply means three works (usually books or films) that may be separate.
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