triathlon

noun

tri·​ath·​lon trī-ˈath-lən 

-ˌlän

nonstandard -ˈa-thə-

: an athletic contest that is a long-distance race consisting of three phases (such as swimming, bicycling, and running)

Examples of triathlon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet in the month since her finish, Grabow has fielded interview requests from international media outlets and sparked headlines that have crossed over from triathlon’s niche audience into the mainstream. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 13 Nov. 2025

The triathlon team also missed the European Championships, as did several other teams across disciplines. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 Nov. 2025

For most people—regardless of age—so much as attempting a triathlon is a daunting prospect, let alone actually completing one. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 29 Oct. 2025

My friend Chuck was adamantly opposed to the sport of triathlon. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

tri- + -athlon (as in decathlon)

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

triathlon

noun

tri·​ath·​lon ˌtrī-ˈath-ˌlän 

: an athletic contest that is a long-distance race consisting of three phases (as swimming, bicycling, and running)