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

For Amorim, the biggest disappointment will be that this was a trophy his team had a serious chance of winning after United’s domestic cup triumphs in both of the last two seasons under his predecessor. —Darren Richman, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024

His team, Kasey Kahne Racing, recently celebrated a triumph with Brad Sweet clinching the 2024 championship. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024

Verb

Despite an initial setback in November, where the court declined their request, the teams eventually triumphed on appeal. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024

Last year, Lisa Ann Walter triumphed over Mo Rocca and Katie Nolan to win the grand prize for her charity. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 18 Dec. 2024

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