Tm(3+)/Tb(3+)/Eu(3+) tri-doped phosphate glasses are synthesized to explore new white-light-emitting materials. Under 365 nm excitation, the CIE coordinates (x=0.339, y=0.341) of the Eu0.07 glass sample are close to the standard equal energy white-light illumination (x=0.333, y=0.333). The quantum efficiency is very high (~72.27%). The energy transition from Tb(3+) to Eu(3+) is reasonably interpreted based on the analysis of the luminescence lifetimes. To enhance the white-light emission, Tm(3+)/Tb(3+)/Eu(3+) tri-doped phosphate glass ceramics are prepared.