trillion

noun

tril·​lion ˈtri(l)-yən How to pronounce trillion (audio)
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 adjective or noun

Examples of trillion 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.
Uncovering this story, coupled with the recognition that the raw ingredients that led to life on Earth are found in billions of star systems across our galaxy and in trillions of galaxies across the observable Universe, has led to some tremendous questions and some equally tremendous speculations. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025 Indeed, the story of the market this year can be framed as trillions in capital and spending power being unleashed by the private sector and governments (Germany with a half-trillion-euro military tab, Japan shifting to fiscal expansion with a leadership switch). Michael Santoli, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2025 Trump insists that trillions in new investment are flowing in, the trade deficit is shrinking, and the nation is flush enough to consider mailing out checks. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025 Advertisement More money than ever before is being spent on building robotics, by a suite of companies racing to be the first to conquer what some believe is a market worth many trillions of dollars. Billy Perrigo, Time, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trillion

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1690, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trillion was in 1690

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trillion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trillion. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

trillion

noun
tril·​lion ˈtril-yən How to pronounce trillion (audio)
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 adjective
trillionth noun

More from Merriam-Webster on trillion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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