Triterpene esters are a class of secondary metabolites synthesized by modifying triterpene skeletons with oxidation, glycosylation, and acylation. These compounds have important bioactivities and are used in the pesticide, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. They also play essential roles in plant defense against pests, diseases, and physical damage, as well as in regulating root microorganisms. This review classifies triterpene esters into five categories based on their skeletons and finds that C-3 oxidation may significantly affect triterpene acylation. Fatty acids and aromatic moieties are common ligands in triterpene esters. The review also analyzes acyltransferases (TEsACTs) involved in triterpene ester synthesis, classifying 18 TEsACTs from 11 species. These enzymes are primarily classified into BAHD-AT clades IIIa and I, and the only identified SCPL-AT belongs to the CP-I subfamily. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the biosynthetic pathways and bioactivities of triterpene esters, offering a foundation for further study of their applications in industry, agriculture, and human health. Triterpene esters are found in various plant families and have diverse structural characteristics, with acylation occurring at different positions on the triterpene skeleton. They play important roles in plant defense, growth, and development, and are also involved in regulating the rhizosphere microbiome. Some triterpene esters exhibit autotoxic effects, while others have potential as biopesticides. The review highlights the importance of triterpene esters in plant biology and their potential applications in agriculture and medicine.Triterpene esters are a class of secondary metabolites synthesized by modifying triterpene skeletons with oxidation, glycosylation, and acylation. These compounds have important bioactivities and are used in the pesticide, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. They also play essential roles in plant defense against pests, diseases, and physical damage, as well as in regulating root microorganisms. This review classifies triterpene esters into five categories based on their skeletons and finds that C-3 oxidation may significantly affect triterpene acylation. Fatty acids and aromatic moieties are common ligands in triterpene esters. The review also analyzes acyltransferases (TEsACTs) involved in triterpene ester synthesis, classifying 18 TEsACTs from 11 species. These enzymes are primarily classified into BAHD-AT clades IIIa and I, and the only identified SCPL-AT belongs to the CP-I subfamily. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the biosynthetic pathways and bioactivities of triterpene esters, offering a foundation for further study of their applications in industry, agriculture, and human health. Triterpene esters are found in various plant families and have diverse structural characteristics, with acylation occurring at different positions on the triterpene skeleton. They play important roles in plant defense, growth, and development, and are also involved in regulating the rhizosphere microbiome. Some triterpene esters exhibit autotoxic effects, while others have potential as biopesticides. The review highlights the importance of triterpene esters in plant biology and their potential applications in agriculture and medicine.