triumphal

[ trahy-uhm-fuhl ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, celebrating, or commemorating a triumph or victory:

   a triumphal banquet; a triumphal ode.

2. triumphant ( def 2 ).

triumphal

/ traɪˈʌmfəl /

adjective

1. celebrating a triumph

   a triumphal procession

2. resembling triumph

Word History and Origins

Origin of triumphal¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Latin word triumphālis. See triumph, -al ¹

Example Sentences

Set to a triumphal score by Amelia Warner, there’s a hint of Bruckheimer’s “Pirates of the Caribbean”-style jauntiness to the powerful orchestration that adds to the sense of melodrama at play.

From Los Angeles Times

Regardless, the ceremony will be triumphal and filled with symbolism.

From New York Times

Under heavy security, settlers in and near the West Bank city of Hebron held triumphal marches.

From Los Angeles Times

The vast majority of #CleanTok videos are triumphal tales — The Pink Stuff vanquishing every surface of a bathroom, The Pink Stuff reviving a sneaker.

From New York Times

Mr. Ozawa was to make a triumphal return to Carnegie in the 2010-11 season.

From New York Times

Related Words

• triumphant

More About Triumphal

What does triumphal mean?

Triumphal means involving, relating to, or celebrating a triumph—an especially significant or noteworthy victory or success.

In many cases, triumphal means about the same thing as the more commonly used triumphant—experiencing, celebrating, or having achieved a triumph.

Triumph is also commonly used as a verb meaning to win, succeed, or be victorious in an epic or spectacular way. An army can triumph over enemy forces. In stories, good triumphs over evil. A person might be said to triumph over cancer.

Triumphal is especially used in situations in which victory or success has come after great difficulty, adversity, or sacrifice, or over an opponent considered difficult to defeat.

Sometimes, triumphal describes the state of joy or celebration following a victory or success that is considered a triumph, as in A triumphal feeling filled her as she realized she had won the election. 

Example: A triumphal victory parade has been planned to celebrate the championship.

Where does triumphal come from?

The first records of the word triumphal come from the 1400s. Triumph is first recorded much earlier, before 900. It ultimately comes from the Greek thríambos, meaning “hymn to Dionysus,” the Greek god of wine and celebration.

A triumph is an epic win. Triumphal is especially used in the context of victory in battles and things that are likened to battles—such as sporting events and long bouts with serious illnesses. It is especially used to describe the celebrations of such victories. To make a triumphal entrance is to enter a place as a winner, especially in celebration.

A triumphal arch is a structure that commemorates some victory, usually a military one. A famous example is Paris’s Arc de Triomphe (“Arch of Triumph”), which was constructed to honor Napoleon’s victorious armies.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to triumphal?

• triumph (noun)

What are some synonyms for triumphal?

• triumphant
• exultant
• victorious

What are some words that share a root or word element with triumphal? 

• triumphalism
• triumphal arch
• trump

What are some words that often get used in discussing triumphal?

• celebration
• parade
• entrance
• return
• emerge
• victory
• win
• achievement
• success

How is triumphal used in real life?

Triumphal is typically used in situations involving epic or spectacular victories or successes—and the celebrations that follow.

“The triumphal march of Caesar’s legions through the streets of ancient Rome could hardly have been more colourful than Vancouver’s tribute to her returning warriors Sunday afternoon” — Vancouver Sun, October 7, 1945 #OTD #CanadaRemembers #SecondWorldWar #Vancouver pic.twitter.com/83npR85GG8

— Seaforth Association (@SeaforthAssoc) October 7, 2020

Shaun Dion Hamilton named SEC Defensive Player of the Week in triumphal return https://t.co/pcwycoGujU pic.twitter.com/MPltfayFq3

— Roll ‘Bama Roll (@rollbamaroll) September 5, 2017

Washington Square Park and its triumphal arch. Photo: yukinyc via Instagram pic.twitter.com/KN26j0wnRp

— NYCgo: the Official Guide to NYC (@nycgo) April 19, 2020

 

 

Try using triumphal!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of triumphal?

A. victorious
B. tragic
C. triumphant
D. exultant