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

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, 29 Jan. 2026

Enable Night Mode or Pro Mode, use the main camera lens, and stabilize the phone with a tripod or solid surface. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Journalists are making their presence known in Greenland’s largest city, posting tripods at the few major intersections that make up Nuuk. —Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

Professional photography equipment, detachable/interchangeable lenses, audio/video recording devices, tripods, monopods (selfie sticks), tablets, laptops, computers, promotional materials. —Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 21 Jan. 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