tripod

noun

tri·​pod ˈtrī-ˌpäd How to pronounce tripod (audio)
1
: a three-legged stand (as for a camera)
2
: a stool, table, or altar with three legs
3
: a vessel (such as a cauldron) resting on three legs
tripod adjective
or tripodal
ˈtri-pə-dᵊl How to pronounce tripod (audio)
ˈtrī-ˌpä-

Examples of tripod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Crossed poles over a thick hearth may be the remains of a tripod, possibly for processing food. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026 This version of the telescope doesn't have a tripod and has a Dobsonian design, which is very sturdy when used on a stable surface like a table or bench. — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026 But suddenly a hailstorm took away all the set, including our tripods, including everything. — William Earl, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026 Other television outlets whose crews were present, according to signs on their tripods and cameras, were NewsNation, Newsmax, Right Side Broadcasting Network, One America News and LindellTV. — Jocelyn Noveck, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tripod

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin tripod-, tripus, from Greek tripod-, tripous, from tripod-, tripous, adjective, three-footed, from tri- + pod-, pous foot — more at foot

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of tripod was in the 15th century

Rhymes for tripod

See All Rhymes for tripod

Browse Nearby Words

triply
tripod
tripodic walk
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tripod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tripod. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tripod

noun
tri·​pod ˈtrī-ˌpäd How to pronounce tripod (audio)
1
: something (as a container or stool) resting on three legs
2
: a three-legged stand (as for a camera)

Medical Definition

tripod

noun
tri·​pod ˈtrī-ˌpäd How to pronounce tripod (audio)
: a bone having three processes

More from Merriam-Webster on tripod

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tripod

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