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

To shopping editors, Amazon’s Prime Day events are the bi-annual triathlon of capitalism. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2026

Similarly, a parent with young children may manage nonstop activities that keep them on their toes, and an athlete training for a triathlon is used to activities that demand dedication and consistency. — Chris Kiple, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

In 2013, triathlon racers reportedly fell ill after competing following a storm. — Daniel Bain, The Conversation, 22 June 2026

His grandfather, Robert Holt, said the family was deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and described Weston as a strong young man who had just finished an Ironman triathlon. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 4 June 2026

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)