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

Those trillions showed up as higher deficits, higher borrowing costs, and a decade of elevated geopolitical risk—a path markets never modeled in 2003. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026

The Persian Gulf is gifted with a fabulous hydrocarbon endowment, worth trillions of dollars. —Javier Blas, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026

Despite spending trillions of dollars and active military engagement on the ground for two decades, the American democratic project in Afghanistan was not successful. —Debidatta A. Mahapatra, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026

Many question why Washington doesn’t consider the Gulf’s security and economic interests despite trillions flowing from the region into the American economy. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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