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

This would be a cultural footnote if trillions of dollars weren't about to change hands, and if crypto's revenue story hadn't already shifted. —Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Here in the United States over the past 70 years, the logic of socialism has been implemented in the form of solutions aimed at addressing our social problems, at the cost to taxpayers of trillions of dollars. —William Z. Fox, Baltimore Sun, 19 Jan. 2026

Unlike the companies that spent trillions in the great American electric koolaid build out, Apple let others do it for them and then reaped the benefits. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 18 Jan. 2026

Baby Boomers—born between 1946 and 1964—are passing down trillions of dollars to Gen X (1965–1980) and Millennials (1981–1996). —Essence, 14 Jan. 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