triangulation

noun

tri·​an·​gu·​la·​tion (ˌ)trī-ˌaŋ-gyə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the measurement of the elements necessary to determine the network of triangles into which any part of the earth's surface is divided in surveying

broadly : any similar trigonometric operation for finding a position or location by means of bearings from two fixed points a known distance apart

2

: a political strategy that involves presenting oneself as being above partisan politics by espousing a position that is between two extremes

They immediately pushed Clinton to the right, enacting the now-infamous strategy of "triangulation," which co-opted Republican policies like welfare reform and tax cuts and emphasized small-bore issues that supposedly cut across the ideological divide.

—The Nation

… he is pursuing a poll-driven strategy of triangulation. He is distancing himself from conservatives in the Republican Party and running as a wobbly moderate under the banner of "compassion."

—Gary L. Bauer

The Tories and Labour are testing the patience of the voters. Mrs May comes from a generation of politicians that sees politics as a cautious game of triangulation: whatever lies midway between two extremes is the best path to take.

—The Daily Telegraph

Examples of triangulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By analyzing the distance between your phone and at least three towers, triangulation can pinpoint your exact position with far greater accuracy. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024

Coming off the two-part Summer House reunion, there has been a lot of triangulation happening with fans jumping to conclusions on two different fronts, and in both cases, the conclusion seems to be that everyone sucks. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 24 June 2024

His hope is that someone, someday, will venture into the South Pacific and leave GPS receivers on Ducie Island, Motu Nui Island, and Maher Island, establishing the location of the triangulation points more accurately than ever before. —Cullen Murphy, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2024

In contrast, triangulation is done in real time and actively calculates your location by measuring signals from multiple towers simultaneously. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

triangulation

noun

tri·​an·​gu·​la·​tion (ˌ)trī-ˌaŋ-gyə-ˈlā-shən 

: the method in surveying of making measurements and using trigonometry to find where places are located on the earth's surface using points whose exact location is known and especially by constructing a network of triangles