triangle

[ trahy-ang-guhl ]

noun

1. a closed plane figure having three sides and three angles.
2. a flat triangular piece, usually of plastic, with straight edges, used in connection with a T square for drawing perpendicular lines, geometric figures, etc.
3. any three-cornered or three-sided figure, object, or piece:

   a triangle of land.

4. a musical percussion instrument that consists of a steel triangle, open at one corner, that is struck with a steel rod.
5. a group of three; triad.
6. a situation involving three persons, especially one in which two of them are in love with the third.
7. Triangle, Astronomy. the constellation Triangulum.

triangle

/ ˈtraɪˌæŋɡəl /

noun

1. geometry a three-sided polygon that can be classified by angle, as in an acute triangle, or by side, as in an equilateral triangle. Sum of interior angles: 180°; area: 1 2 base × height
2. any object shaped like a triangle
3. any situation involving three parties or points of view See also eternal triangle
4. music a percussion instrument consisting of a sonorous metal bar bent into a triangular shape, beaten with a metal stick
5. a group of three

triangle

/ trī′ăng′gəl /

1. A closed geometric figure consisting of three sides.

Derived Forms

• ˈtriˌangled, adjective

Other Words From

• triangled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of triangle¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin triangulum, noun use of neuter of triangulus “three-cornered”, tri-, angle ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of triangle¹

C14: from Latin triangulum (noun), from triangulus (adjective), from tri- + angulus corner

Idioms and Phrases

see eternal triangle .

Example Sentences

Handwoven baskets are adorned with fringe made from strips cut from multicolor T-shirts, and patchwork hoodies feature the brand’s signature triangle motif.

From Los Angeles Times

I was in full triangle pose with nothing but blue sky in all directions and the loud whooshing wind.

From Los Angeles Times

My daughter is doing some maths revision with me at the moment, working out the area of triangles - you multiply the height by the width, then halve it.

From BBC

A love triangle between a tennis prodigy-turned-coach and two male rivals.

From BBC

After defending a triangle choke attempt, Ngannou took control, posturing up and launching a series of ground strikes down on a helpless Ferreira.

From BBC

Related Words

• adultery
• affair
• courtship
• dalliance
• devotion
• fling
• flirtation
• infidelity
• involvement
• liaison
• love
• passion
• relationship
• tryst