triathlon

noun

tri·​ath·​lon trī-ˈath-lən How to pronounce triathlon (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The unnamed owner approached the Neils van Roij Design about not just restoring the vehicle but reimagining it so that it could be used to transport two triathlon bicycles. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2025 To shopping editors, Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days are the bi-annual triathlon of capitalism. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025 Located an hour from São Paulo in Porto Feliz, Boa Vista has hundreds of large homes and apartments, lush landscaping, four golf courses, three equestrian centers, a triathlon training center, three polo fields, spas and a wave pool for surfing. David Moin, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025 The Ironman triathlon is one of the most grueling endurance events in the world, attracting thousands of athletes each year to its global races. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for triathlon

Word History

Etymology

tri- + -athlon (as in decathlon)

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of triathlon was in 1924

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Triathlon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/triathlon. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

triathlon

noun
tri·​ath·​lon ˌtrī-ˈath-ˌlän How to pronounce triathlon (audio)
: an athletic contest that is a long-distance race consisting of three phases (as swimming, bicycling, and running)

More from Merriam-Webster on triathlon

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!