trivet

noun

triv·​et ˈtri-vət 

1

: a usually metal or wooden stand often with short feet for use under a hot dish

2

: a three-legged stand : tripod

Examples of trivet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Store spare glasses, napkins, trivets, and utensils in its concealer lower shelves; your decanter, bar tools, and jarred cocktail add-ins will fit perfectly on the top shelf, which features a pull-out door that doubles as extra table space. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2025

Seal with a clear topcoat to create a heat-resistant trivet or coaster. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 17 Nov. 2025

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Wood Serving Trivet This 13-inch by 10-inch wood trivet keeps hot or heavy dishes lifted off the table, helping prevent scratches and spills. —Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025

Objects on view include a silhouette attributed to Moses Williams, a modest trivet made in early America in the form of an African symbol, and copies of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Phillis Wheatley’s Poems on Various Subjects. —Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English trevet, from Old English trefet, probably modification of Late Latin triped-, tripes, from Latin, three-footed, from tri- + ped-, pes foot — more at foot

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for trivet

• civet
• pivot
• privet
• rivet

Kids Definition

trivet

noun

triv·​et ˈtriv-ət 

1

: a three-legged stand : tripod

2

: an ornamental metal or ceramic plate used under a hot dish to protect the table