trice

1 of 2

noun

ˈtrīs How to pronounce trice (audio)
Synonyms of tricenext
: a brief space of time : instant
—used chiefly in the phrase in a trice

trice

2 of 2

verb

triced; tricing

transitive verb

: to haul up or in and lash or secure (something, such as a sail) with a small rope

Synonyms

Noun

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Examples of trice in a Sentence

Noun it's just a scrape on the knee—we'll have you fixed up in a trice
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
In a trice, he’s done one, two, eight, and 10. — James Vincent, The Verge, 16 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English trise, literally, pull, from trisen

Verb

Middle English trisen, tricen to pull, trice, from Middle Dutch trisen to hoist, from trise windlass

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trice was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing trice

Rhymes for trice

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trice
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Cite this Entry

“Trice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trice. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

trice

noun
ˈtrīs
: a brief space of time : instant
—used chiefly in the phrase in a trice

More from Merriam-Webster on trice

Nglish: Translation of trice for Spanish Speakers

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