triangulation

noun

tri·​an·​gu·​la·​tion (ˌ)trī-ˌaŋ-gyə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the measurement of the elements necessary to determine the network of triangles into which any part of the earth's surface is divided in surveying

broadly : any similar trigonometric operation for finding a position or location by means of bearings from two fixed points a known distance apart

2

: a political strategy that involves presenting oneself as being above partisan politics by espousing a position that is between two extremes

They immediately pushed Clinton to the right, enacting the now-infamous strategy of "triangulation," which co-opted Republican policies like welfare reform and tax cuts and emphasized small-bore issues that supposedly cut across the ideological divide.

—The Nation

… he is pursuing a poll-driven strategy of triangulation. He is distancing himself from conservatives in the Republican Party and running as a wobbly moderate under the banner of "compassion."

—Gary L. Bauer

The Tories and Labour are testing the patience of the voters. Mrs May comes from a generation of politicians that sees politics as a cautious game of triangulation: whatever lies midway between two extremes is the best path to take.

—The Daily Telegraph

Examples of triangulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is partially the result of the ÖVP’s triangulation strategy during the 2017 elections as well as the many compromises—the most damaging word to populists—that the FPÖ has had to make since forming the coalition. —Franz-Stefan Gady, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2018

No collaborating technical data from cellphone tower triangulations or surveillance cameras? —Howard Blum, Washington Post, 26 June 2024

Sparse cell coverage would have hampered efforts to locate it by triangulation. —Kay Armin Serjoie, TIME, 28 May 2024

And — to add one more plank of triangulation — does Paul love Art? —Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

triangulation

noun

tri·​an·​gu·​la·​tion (ˌ)trī-ˌaŋ-gyə-ˈlā-shən 

: the method in surveying of making measurements and using trigonometry to find where places are located on the earth's surface using points whose exact location is known and especially by constructing a network of triangles