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

But the best image stabilized binoculars combat this problem by reducing shake without the use of a tripod. —Matt Morris, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026

Its football-field-size platform holds the turbine in the center, and three legs extend tripod-like outward, like a Christmas-tree stand. —IEEE Spectrum, 3 Mar. 2026

Professional photography equipment, detachable/interchangeable lenses, audio/video recording devices, tripods, monopods (selfie sticks), tablets, laptops, computers, promotional materials. —Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026

Prospective photographers should remember to turn off flash and place their phones on a tripod to stabilize their devices. —Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 24 Feb. 2026

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