treble

1 of 3

noun

tre·​ble ˈtre-bəl How to pronounce treble (audio)
1
a
: the highest voice part in harmonic music : soprano
b
: one that performs a treble part
also : a member of a family of instruments having the highest range
c
: a high-pitched or shrill voice, tone, or sound
d
: the upper half of the whole vocal or instrumental tonal range compare bass
e
: the higher portion of the audio frequency range in sound recording and broadcasting
2
: something treble in construction, uses, amount, number, or value

treble

2 of 3

adjective

1
a
: relating to or having the range or part of a treble
c
: of, relating to, or having the range of treble in sound recording and broadcasting
treble frequencies
2
a
: having three parts or uses : threefold
b
: triple in number or amount
trebly adverb

treble

3 of 3

verb

trebled; trebling ˈtre-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce treble (audio)

transitive verb

: to increase threefold

intransitive verb

1
: to sing treble
2
: to grow to three times the size, amount, or number

Examples of treble in a Sentence

Noun Turn down the treble on the radio and turn up the bass. The part is sung by a boy treble. Adjective the treble shrieks of children at play a treble painting, with each panel telling a different part of the Nativity story Verb She trebled her earnings in only two years. Prices have trebled in only two years.
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.
Noun
Finally, the treble was so smooth and restrained, never straying into sibilance or even a hint of distortion. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 The earbuds deliver decent audio performance, especially at higher volumes, and give users the ability to tailor the equalizer settings through a dedicated app for optimal bass and treble. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
The opening acoustic guitar plucks get plenty of low and low-mid resonance, while strong treble response gives a clear, crisp string texture. PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 After scooping the treble last term, head coach Carlo Ancelotti is struggling to find the best system for his men which includes Mbappe and also makes up for the control in midfield lost by Toni Kroos' shock retirement. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
Antitrust law damages can be trebled, meaning the NFL could have been ordered to pay $14.1 billion. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Nov. 2024 Italy’s export of sparkling wines by volume has more than trebled between 2010 and 2023, according to the wine union’s data. Vivek Wadhwa, Fortune Europe, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for treble 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, the highest part in a three-part composition, from treble, adjective

Adjective

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin triplus — more at triple

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of treble was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near treble

Cite this Entry

“Treble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treble. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

treble

1 of 3 noun
tre·​ble ˈtreb-əl How to pronounce treble (audio)
1
a
: the highest of the four voice parts in vocal music : soprano
b
: a singer or instrument having the highest range
2
: a high-pitched or shrill voice, tone, or sound
3
: the upper half of the musical pitch range compare bass entry 2

treble

2 of 3 adjective
1
a
: having three parts
b
: triple in number or amount
2
a
: relating to or having the range of a musical treble
treble voice
trebly adverb

treble

3 of 3 verb
trebled; trebling ˈtreb-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce treble (audio)
: to make or become three times the size, amount, or number

More from Merriam-Webster on treble

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