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 immense scale requires trillions of dollars of investment that will ripple through physical markets, directly impacting real estate, construction, power and electricity generation, and industrial metals. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2026

Stars may continue to form for many trillions of years, and potentially even after the last reserves of gas have been expelled from a galaxy. —Big Think, 20 Feb. 2026

Research indicates that more than 37% of financial advisors are expected to retire within the next 10 years, representing trillions in assets under management. —Matt Emma, jsonline.com, 20 Feb. 2026

In the heyday of ESG investing, trillions poured into vague notions of sustainability with a vision of enormous returns but without a clear plan. —Justin Worland, Time, 20 Feb. 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