triceps

noun

tri·​ceps ˈtrī-ˌseps 

plural triceps

: a muscle that arises from three heads

especially : the large extensor muscle along the back of the upper arm

Examples of triceps in a Sentence

He felt a pain in his right triceps.

Recent Examples on the Web

Initially diagnosed with a triceps strain, Soto missed the final five months of the season and underwent August surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow. —Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026

Push-ups are the ultimate upper body exercise, targeting the muscles in your chest, shoulders, triceps and core. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026

The Dolphins have until Dec. 31 to activate Meyer, who was impressive during training camp before a triceps injury landed him on IR on Aug. 27. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 Dec. 2025

Fellow starting lineman Jawaan Taylor (triceps) missed practice all week. —Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin tricipit-, triceps, from Latin, three-headed, from tri- + capit-, caput head — more at head

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for triceps

• biceps
• doorsteps
• footsteps
• missteps
• preps
• reps
• steppes
• steps
• quadriceps

Kids Definition

triceps

noun

tri·​ceps ˈtrī-ˌseps 

plural triceps

: a large muscle along the back of the upper arm that is attached at its upper end by three main parts and that acts to extend the arm at the elbow joint

Medical Definition

triceps

noun

tri·​ceps ˈtrī-ˌseps 

plural triceps also tricepses

: a muscle that arises from three heads:

a

: the large extensor muscle that is situated along the back of the upper arm, arises by the long head from the infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula and by two heads from the shaft of the humerus, is inserted into the olecranon at the elbow, and extends the forearm at the elbow joint

called also triceps brachii

b

: the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles viewed as constituting together one muscle

called also triceps surae