trigraph

noun

tri·​graph ˈtrī-ˌgraf How to pronounce trigraph (audio)
1
: three letters spelling a single consonant, vowel, or diphthong
eau of beau is a trigraph
2
: a cluster of three successive letters
the, ion, and ing are high frequency trigraphs
trigraphic adjective

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trigraph was circa 1836

Dictionary Entries Near trigraph

Cite this Entry

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

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