trillion

noun

tril·​lion ˈtri(l)-yən 

1

: a number equal to 1,000 times one billion see Table of Numbers

2

: an indeterminately large number

a trillion mosquitoes out tonight

trillion adjective

trillionth

ˈtri(l)-yən(t)th 

adjective or noun

Examples of trillion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As host this year, Azerbaijan’s job will be to broker an agreement that secures billions—possibly trillions—of dollars from wealthy countries to help along the green transition in poorer countries. —Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024

The federal deficit and debt: Getting bigger Another issue is the national debt and the nation's growing deficit, with both candidates' economic proposals projected to add trillions to the country's debt. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 29 Oct. 2024

After all, the gut is home to trillions of bacteria that are not only crucial for digestion, but also the immune system, mood, and even body weight. —Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2024

Porphyrion’s jets are estimated to contain the total power of trillions of suns and raise the temperature of surrounding gas by a million degrees Celsius. —Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from tri- + -illion (as in million)

First Known Use

1690, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

trillion

noun

tril·​lion ˈtril-yən 

1

: a number equal to 1,000 times one billion see number

2

: a very large number

a trillion mosquitoes out tonight

trillion adjective

trillionth

-yən(t)th 

adjective

trillionth noun