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

Spielberg also arms the invaders with the tripod war machines Wells had written about a century earlier. —Richard Edwards, Space.com, 29 June 2025

The flexible tripod clips onto most anything—baby product or otherwise. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025

Each option can support up to 22 lb (10 kg) – the Pro 2 tips the scales at 15.4 lb (7 kg) – and is secured to the tripod/stand/mount via the projector's 0.25-inch tripod mount hole on its underside. —Paul Ridden june 25, New Atlas, 25 June 2025

Designed with little ones in mind, this mini fan features flexible tripod legs that securely attach to strollers, car seats or cribs. —Jené Luciani Sena , Caitlyn Martyn May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 23 June 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