tripod

noun

tri·​pod ˈtrī-ˌpäd 

1

: a three-legged stand (as for a camera)

2

: a stool, table, or altar with three legs

3

: a vessel (such as a cauldron) resting on three legs

tripod adjective

or tripodal

ˈtri-pə-dᵊl 

ˈtrī-ˌpä-

Examples of tripod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As with long exposures, the GFX100RF does better for video when paired with a tripod or set on a flat surface. —PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025

The bundle includes the gimbal body, AI tracker module / LED fill light, detachable touchscreen remote, tripod-grip, USB-C cable, carry pouch and hex key. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Our best tripods guide has plenty of buying advice there, and our choice as the most affordable tripod — the Manfrotto Element MII is worth a look. —Paul Brett, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Renaldi captured them using eight-by-ten-inch negatives and an old-school view camera, with bellows, ground-glass screen, tripod, the works. —Richard Renaldi, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin tripod-, tripus, from Greek tripod-, tripous, from tripod-, tripous, adjective, three-footed, from tri- + pod-, pous foot — more at foot

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for tripod

• abroad
• applaud
• backboard
• ballade
• defraud
• ephod
• facade
• guffawed
• outlawed
• ramrod
• roughshod
• slipshod

Kids Definition

tripod

noun

tri·​pod ˈtrī-ˌpäd 

1

: something (as a container or stool) resting on three legs

2

: a three-legged stand (as for a camera)

Medical Definition

tripod

noun

tri·​pod ˈtrī-ˌpäd 

: a bone having three processes