trillion

noun

tril·​lion ˈtri(l)-yən 

1

: a number equal to 1,000 times one billion see Table of Numbers

2

: an indeterminately large number

a trillion mosquitoes out tonight

trillion adjective

trillionth

ˈtri(l)-yən(t)th 

adjective or noun

Examples of trillion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As wealthy countries continue deprioritizing global health financing, experts say budding gaps in women’s health are poised to cost thousands of lives and trillions of dollars. —Jennifer Lotito, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

At the same time, the Congressional Budget Office sees tariffs shaving trillions of dollars off the deficit. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2025

The census is used to divide trillions in federal spending based on economic and demographic characteristics. —Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 24 Aug. 2025

If trillions of dollars of regular people’s money come pouring in, aren’t the returns going to come down? —Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from tri- + -illion (as in million)

First Known Use

1690, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for trillion

• billion
• million
• pillion
• castilian
• civilian
• cotillion
• pavilion
• postilion
• quadrillion
• reptilian
• vermilion
• vermillion

Kids Definition

trillion

noun

tril·​lion ˈtril-yən 

1

: a number equal to 1,000 times one billion see number

2

: a very large number

a trillion mosquitoes out tonight

trillion adjective

trillionth

-yən(t)th 

adjective

trillionth noun