triangle

noun

tri·​an·​gle ˈtrī-ˌaŋ-gəl How to pronounce triangle (audio)
1
: a polygon having three sides compare spherical triangle
2
a
: a percussion instrument consisting of a rod of steel bent into the form of a triangle open at one angle and sounded by striking with a small metal rod
b
: a drafting instrument consisting of a thin flat right-angled triangle of wood or plastic with acute angles of 45 degrees or of 30 degrees and 60 degrees
3
: a situation in which one member of a couple is involved in a love affair with a third person

Illustration of triangle

Illustration of triangle
  • 1 equilateral
  • 2 acute
  • 3 obtuse
  • 4 scalene
  • 5 isosceles
  • 6 right triangle

Examples of triangle in a Sentence

She cut the sandwiches into triangles.
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.
Dip fingertip into flour mixture, and moisten wrapper down the left side of the triangle. Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024 Jason Bateman and David Harbour will star in and executive produce a seven-episode series on HBO titled DTF St. Louis, the tale of a love triangle between three adults experiencing middle-age uneasiness that leads to one of them ending up dead. Marc Berman, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 There’s a friendship triangle taking shape, as Simone and Pita grow closer, shutting Gigi out. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024 Francis Ford Coppola goes kinky gothic delicious for this classic tale of the Prince of Darkness/Jonathan Harker/Mina love triangle featuring Gary Oldman, Keanu Reeves, and Winona Ryder as its leads. Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for triangle 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin triangulum, from neuter of triangulus triangular, from tri- + angulus angle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of triangle was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near triangle

Cite this Entry

“Triangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/triangle. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

triangle

noun
tri·​an·​gle ˈtrī-ˌaŋ-gəl How to pronounce triangle (audio)
1
: a figure that has three sides and three angles : a polygon that has three sides
2
: a percussion instrument made of a steel rod bent into a triangle open at one corner which is played by striking with a metal rod
3
: a drafting instrument consisting of a thin flat right-angled triangle

Medical Definition

triangle

noun
tri·​an·​gle ˈtrī-ˌaŋ-gəl How to pronounce triangle (audio)
: a three-sided region or space and especially an anatomical one see anterior triangle, carotid triangle, femoral triangle, posterior triangle, suboccipital triangle

More from Merriam-Webster on triangle

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