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

Observing and imaging the sun Make sure your tripod is level, with your smart telescope properly attached, then turn it on and remove the dust cap. — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Below the equator, point your tripod south and angle to your degrees of latitude south). — Lucie McCormick, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026

Evelyn, now 11, could be seen jumping for joy—and saving the phone from falling off its tripod—in the series of clips. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026

All of these are captured using his Nikon Z8 and 100-400mm lens, usually set on a sturdy tripod with a fluid head. — Patrick Connolly Orlando Sentinel, Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 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