triangular

adjective

tri·​an·​gu·​lar trī-ˈaŋ-gyə-lər 

1

a

: of, relating to, or having the form of a triangle

a triangular plot of land

b

: having a triangular base or principal surface

a triangular table

a triangular pyramid

2

a(1)

: of, relating to, or involving three elements

a triangular agreement

(2)

of a military group : based primarily on three units

b

: of or relating to a love triangle

triangularity

(ˌ)trī-ˌaŋ-gyə-ˈler-ə-tē 

-ˈla-rə-tē

noun

triangularly

trī-ˈaŋ-gyə-lər-lē 

adverb

Examples of triangular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scarves don’t just have to be tied around the neck—a triangular scarf is the perfect headscarf in summer—or any season, really. —Jana Ackermann, Glamour, 5 Apr. 2024

This triangular area just west of Blue Springs Lake and Lake Jacomo is bordered by I-470 to the east and NE Woods Chapel Road to the south. —Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2024

Even in the decorative details, like window designs and floor tiles, triangular motifs are prevalent, adding a cohesive and visually intriguing element to the home’s overall design. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2024

It’s usually served in a square or triangular slice, but Zaytinya’s is shaped like an egg roll and pan fried. —Marcela Valdes. Photographs and Videos By Peden + Munk, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024

The triangular ladder shelf has a solid wood frame with five tiers. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 31 Mar. 2024

Trusses are usually triangular structures that interlock and support the bridge. —Chris Quintana, USA TODAY, 29 Mar. 2024

The salted cod was introduced to the Caribbean via the triangular slave trade between Britain, West Africa and the Caribbean colonies in the 18th and 19th Centuries. —The Arizona Republic, 28 Mar. 2024

Decorated on both sides and made of the rare metal tantalum, the triangular plate will seal the spacecraft’s sensitive electronics inside a vault to protect them from Jupiter’s harsh radiation. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English trianguler, from Late Latin triangularis, from Latin triangulum

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing triangular

• triangular number

Kids Definition

triangular

adjective

tri·​an·​gu·​lar trī-ˈaŋ-gyə-lər 

1

: of, relating to, or having the form of a triangle

2

: having a triangular base or principal surface

a triangular pyramid

Medical Definition

triangular

noun

tri·​an·​gu·​lar trī-ˈaŋ-gyə-lər 

: triquetral bone