noun
triumvirate
try-UM-vuh-ruht/traɪˈʌmvərət/
A group of three people sharing power or influence.
The three magistrates form a triumvirate that shares authority at the council table.
Etymology
The pieces describe an office held by three men together. This institutional meaning underlies the modern use for three people sharing power or authority.
In context
he left Rome to negotiate with Mark Antony and Lepidus. Together, they formed the second triumvirate, basically carving up the Roman world between them.
More examples
- The three founders form a triumvirate that runs the company.
- Power rests with a triumvirate rather than a single ruler.
- A triumvirate of wealthy donors influences the museum's major decisions.
Forms
triumvirate · triumvirates
triumvir noun — One of three people sharing governing authority.
Similar words
- troika
- Often suggests a tightly coordinated group of three leaders.
- trio
- Means any group of three, without implying shared power.