triumph

1 of 2

noun

tri·​umph ˈtrī-əm(p)f 

plural triumphs ˈtrī-əm(p)fs  -əm(p)s 

1

a

: a victory or conquest by or as if by military force

b

: a notable success

the party was a triumph

2

: the joy or exultation of victory or success

3

: a ceremony attending the entering of Rome by a general who had won a decisive victory over a foreign enemy compare ovation sense 1

triumphal

trī-ˈəm(p)-fəl 

adjective

triumph

2 of 2

verb

triumphed; triumphing; triumphs

intransitive verb

1

: to obtain victory : prevail

2

a

: to receive the honor of a triumph

b

: to celebrate victory or success boastfully or exultingly

Synonyms

Noun

• accomplishment
• achievement
• acquirement
• attainment
• baby
• coup
• success

Verb

• conquer
• prevail
• win

Examples of triumph in a Sentence

Noun

They earned a magnificent triumph over the invading army.

They were able to achieve an important triumph against their chief rivals.

Quitting smoking was a personal triumph for her.

The party was a triumph.

The bridge is an engineering triumph.

They had a feeling of triumph after finishing the project.

They stood atop the mountain in triumph.

Verb

His favorite team triumphed in the championship game.

despite an accident early on, the runner persevered and ultimately triumphed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Last year’s win against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley gave them their 15th triumph in the competition — eight more than any other club. —Guillermo Rai, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025

At the end of the night, Huerter was the one howling into the rafters in a moment of triumph after plunging two big daggers into the heart of his former team. —Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025

Verb

This moment transitions from reflection to celebration; to triumph over the trials that once seemed insurmountable. —Nick Jonas, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025

Chicago Tribune Still, there have been 55 times in which the No. 12 seed triumphed since the NCAA Tournament field expanded in 1985, including twice last year, when James Madison beat Wisconsin and Grand Canyon knocked off Saint Mary’s. —Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English triumphe, from Old French, from Latin triumphus

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

1508, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

triumph

1 of 2 noun

tri·​umph ˈtrī-əm(p)f 

plural triumphs

1

: an ancient Roman ceremony honoring a victorious general

2

: the joy of victory or success

3

a

: a military victory or conquest

b

: any great success

a scientific triumph

triumph

2 of 2 verb

1

: to celebrate victory or success with much rejoicing

2

: to gain victory : win