Trojan

1 of 2

noun

Tro·​jan ˈtrō-jən 

1

: a native or inhabitant of Troy

2

: one who shows qualities (such as pluck, endurance, or determined energy) attributed to the defenders of ancient Troy

3

: a merry and often irresponsible or disreputable companion

Trojan

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or resembling ancient Troy or its inhabitants

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a Trojan horse

Examples of Trojan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

After never attempting more than 1.3 threes in a season, in his fourth year in the Association, the former USC Trojan is taking 3.1 triples and converting them at a 37.1 percent clip. —Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Paris is the coy Daris (Arya Grace Gaston), and the doomed hero Achilles has become the grim-faced Trojan running back Keeley (Erin Treadway, in boxer braids and golden work boots), who refuses to take the field after Johnny utters a fatal insult. —Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025

Cassandra: Not only is this name beautiful, but your child will also share it with a Trojan princess (and a Taylor Swift song). —Lydia Wang, Parents, 27 Mar. 2025

On issues such as trade and regulating technology, far-right governments even risk becoming Trojan horses in the EU. —Nathalie Tocci, Foreign Affairs, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Latin trojanus of Troy, from Troia, Troja Troy, from Greek Trōïa

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Trojan

• Trojan horse
• Trojan War
• work like a Trojan

Kids Definition

Trojan

noun

Tro·​jan

ˈtrō-jən

: a person born or living in ancient Troy

Trojan adjective