trilateral

adjective

tri·​lat·​er·​al (ˌ)trī-ˈla-tə-rəl 

-ˈla-trəl

: having three sides or parties

trilateral business ventures

trilateral discussions

Examples of trilateral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The trilateral talks, which have yet to produce any breakthrough on key issues, have been on ice while the Iran war has dominated international attention. —Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026

Canada and Mexico defended their trilateral trade agreement with the US following Washington’s threats to withdraw from the $2 trillion pact. —Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 13 Mar. 2026

In December, the leaders of all three nations met in Nicosia to finalize a trilateral cooperation plan for 2026. —Elena Giuliano, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026

Today, more than ever, this trilateral World Cup offers an opportunity not only to celebrate sports, but also to recognize the strength of friendship and collaboration between our two nations. —Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin trilaterus, from tri- + later-, latus side

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for trilateral

• bilateral
• collateral
• anterolateral
• posterolateral
• basolateral
• contralateral
• dorsolateral
• equilateral
• ipsilateral
• multilateral
• quadrilateral
• unilateral

Kids Definition

trilateral

adjective

tri·​lat·​er·​al (ˈ)trī-ˈlat-ə-rəl 

-ˈla-trəl

: having three sides