trillion

noun

tril·​lion ˈtri(l)-yən 

1

: a number equal to 1,000 times one billion see Table of Numbers

2

: an indeterminately large number

a trillion mosquitoes out tonight

trillion adjective

trillionth

ˈtri(l)-yən(t)th 

adjective or noun

Examples of trillion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the meantime, expect more one-day drops that could wipe out trillions of dollars from the stock market. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

The exception: 2021, when the government was spending trillions to fight the coronavirus pandemic and prevent an economic disaster. —John Kelly, Nancy Cordes, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2025

The on-again-off-again tariff announcements have rattled investors, wiping out trillions in value from stock markets and frustrating business leaders who are struggling to make business decisions without knowing how much goods will cost in the long run. —Brian Bennett, Time, 29 Apr. 2025

But the loss of trillions of dollars over a matter of days in April was extreme. —Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from tri- + -illion (as in million)

First Known Use

1690, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for trillion

• billion
• million
• pillion
• castilian
• civilian
• cotillion
• pavilion
• postilion
• quadrillion
• reptilian
• vermilion
• vermillion

Kids Definition

trillion

noun

tril·​lion ˈtril-yən 

1

: a number equal to 1,000 times one billion see number

2

: a very large number

a trillion mosquitoes out tonight

trillion adjective

trillionth

-yən(t)th 

adjective

trillionth noun