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

This deal includes the tube and tripod, accessory storage tray and a bubble level built into the mount. —Jase Parnell-Brookes, Space.com, 27 Nov. 2025

This year’s dinner was a little different to those previous efforts, though—the meal was paid for by a generous donor, who did so in memory of her beloved tripod rescue dog Jack. —Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025

However, for those with more advanced gear, like a DSLR or mirrorless camera, use a tripod and shoot in manual mode for the best results. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

The battery also loads in the bottom, but is far enough away from the tripod thread that only larger mounting plates will block it. —PC Magazine, 20 Nov. 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