Trojan

1 of 2

noun

Tro·​jan ˈtrō-jən How to pronounce Trojan (audio)
1
: a native or inhabitant of Troy
2
: one who shows qualities (such as pluck, endurance, or determined energy) attributed to the defenders of ancient Troy
3
: a merry and often irresponsible or disreputable companion

Trojan

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or resembling ancient Troy or its inhabitants
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a Trojan horse

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
So there is a historical foundation for the Trojan War? Nick Hilden, CNN, 10 May 2023 Parker Doyle, Center Grove: The senior posted a 14.53 in the 110 hurdles to win the Center Grove Trojan Classic, posting the third-best time of the spring. The Indianapolis Star, 8 May 2023 Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids—soon to be visited for the first time by the spacecraft Lucy—share the gas giant’s orbital path as tadpoles, oscillating around points before and after Jupiter in its track around the sun. Briley Lewis, Popular Science, 3 May 2023 This Trojan horse script has gained credence partly because of Hungary’s illiberal prime minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of Vucic’s who has lobbied zealously for Serbia’s admission. Robert F. Worth, New York Times, 3 May 2023 Los Angeles Chargers – Calen Bullock, S, USC After taking one former Trojan this year in second-round pass rusher Tuli Tuipulotu, the Chargers could stay local yet again with Bullock. Michael Middlehurst-schwartz, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2023 But some developing countries see this concept as a possible Trojan horse requiring the Global South to bear the burdens of protecting ecosystems while the Global North continues to pollute with fossil fuels. Pamela Mcelwee, Scientific American, 21 Apr. 2023 Some fear that Milatovic would compromise Montenegro’s foreign policy course and turn Montenegro into a Russian Trojan Horse in the Balkans and NATO, the diplomat told Fox News Digital. Chris Massaro, Fox News, 19 Apr. 2023 The play is about a love affair between two people in Troy during the Trojan War. Jacob Linden, Country Living, 17 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Trojan.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Latin trojanus of Troy, from Troia, Troja Troy, from Greek Trōïa

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near Trojan

Cite this Entry

“Trojan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Trojan. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

Trojan

noun
Tro·​jan
ˈtrō-jən
: a person born or living in ancient Troy
Trojan adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!