triennial

adjective

tri·​en·​ni·​al (ˌ)trī-ˈe-nē-əl How to pronounce triennial (audio)
1
: occurring or being done every three years
the triennial convention
2
: consisting of or lasting for three years
a triennial contract
triennial noun
triennially adverb

Examples of triennial 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.
Organizing a triennial today means navigating the tension between the local and the global amid a rapidly shifting world order. Wassan Al-Khudhairi, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026 While the triennial tournament was underway, however, some new faces and non-roster invitees had a chance to shine in Red Sox camp. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026 The triennial Roppongi Crossing series, a survey of contemporary art in Japan, is unmissable for those who want to understand the local scene. Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2026 According to Hamilton, federal oversight of PREA is limited to a triennial audit of each prison or detention facility, and there is no real penalty when a facility fails the audit. Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for triennial

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of triennial was in 1562

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Triennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/triennial. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

triennial

adjective
tri·​en·​ni·​al (ˈ)trī-ˈen-ē-əl How to pronounce triennial (audio)
1
: consisting of or lasting for three years
2
: occurring or being done every three years
triennial noun
triennially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on triennial

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster