trivet

noun

triv·​et ˈtri-vət How to pronounce trivet (audio)
1
: a usually metal or wooden stand often with short feet for use under a hot dish
2
: a three-legged stand : tripod

Examples of trivet 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.
When using this cookware in the oven, set the dish on a trivet to cool instead of on the stovetop to avoid scratches and excess heat. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2026 Each spoon and trivet felt like a larger part of his practice, a portrait of the artist in boots and books, pots and pans. — Leanne Shapton, The New York Review of Books, 26 Aug. 2026 Matching kitchen accessories, such as handle grips and trivets, can also be found in Château. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2026 Although quartz countertops are fairly heat-resistant, use hot pads, trivets, and coasters to protect the stone. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for trivet

Word History

Etymology

Middle English trevet, from Old English trefet, probably modification of Late Latin triped-, tripes, from Latin, three-footed, from tri- + ped-, pes foot — more at foot

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of trivet was in the 14th century

Rhymes for trivet

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Browse Nearby Words

triverbial
trivet
trivet table
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Cite this Entry

“Trivet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trivet. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

trivet

noun
triv·​et ˈtriv-ət How to pronounce trivet (audio)
1
: a three-legged stand : tripod
2
: an ornamental metal or ceramic plate used under a hot dish to protect the table

More from Merriam-Webster on trivet

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trivet

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