triathlon

[ trahy-ath-luhn ]

noun

1. an athletic contest comprising three consecutive events, usually swimming, bicycling, and distance running.
2. a women's track-and-field competition comprising the 100-meter dash, high jump, and shot put.
3. British. a competition comprising fly-casting, horseback-riding, and trapshooting events.

triathlon

/ traɪˈæθlɒn /

noun

1. an athletic contest in which each athlete competes in three different events: swimming, cycling, and running

Derived Forms

• ˌtriˈathlete, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of triathlon¹

First recorded in 1970–75; tri- + (dec)athlon

Word History and Origins

Origin of triathlon¹

C20: from tri- + Greek athlon contest

Example Sentences

Piazza talks to Sister Madonna Buder, the “Iron Nun,” who is the oldest person to ever finish an Ironman Triathlon.

From The Daily Beast

Finishing the Triple Crown with the Belmont is like concluding a triathlon with a marathon.

From The Daily Beast

She looks and feels amazing, and is now training for a triathlon.

From The Daily Beast

He kept rock-hard fit by running, swimming and biking as if in a perpetual triathlon.

From The Daily Beast

Why do so many guys on Match claim to be training for a triathlon?

From The Daily Beast