triumphant

American  

[trahy-uhm-fuhnt] / traɪˈʌm fənt /

adjective

1. having achieved victory or success; victorious; successful.

2. exulting over victory; rejoicing over success; exultant.

3. Archaic. triumphal.

4. Obsolete. splendid; magnificent.

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triumphant British  

/ traɪˈʌmfənt /

adjective

1. experiencing or displaying triumph

2. exultant through triumph

3. obsolete

   1. magnificent

   2. triumphal

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Usage

What does triumphant mean? Triumphant means experiencing, celebrating, or having achieved a triumph—an especially significant or noteworthy victory or success. Triumph is also commonly used as a verb meaning to win, succeed, or be victorious in an epic or spectacular way. Sometimes, it means to conquer. In this case, it’s often used with the word over, and triumphant is used in the same way. An army can be triumphant over enemy forces. In stories, good is triumphant over evil. A person might be said to be triumphant over cancer. Triumphant 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. Triumphant can describe a person who is or has been victorious, as in They returned to their hometown triumphant, entering to the cheers of the adoring crowd. Sometimes, triumphant describes the state of joy or celebration following a victory or success that is considered a triumph, as in A triumphant feeling filled her as she realized she had won the election. Triumphant can describe something considered a great achievement, as in Her latest novel is triumphant—a masterpiece in every way. The similar adjective triumphal means involving, relating to, or celebrating a triumph. Example: We will not rest until we are triumphant—when we finally victorious over the forces of evil.

Other Word Forms

• triumphantly adverb
• untriumphant adjective

Etymology

Origin of triumphant

First recorded in 1485–95; from Latin triumphant-, stem of triumphāns, present participle of triumphāre “to triumph”; see triumph, -ant

Explanation

If you're triumphant, you're proud of a huge success, like your triumphant victory at your ping-pong tournament. Winning an honor or a competition means that you're triumphant. The joy you feel about your win is described as triumphant. You might flash a triumphant smile at the audience during the curtain call after your excellent performance in the school play. Triumphant comes from the Latin word triumphus, which means triumph, but also describes a procession for a victorious general or admiral.

Example Sentences

Five-time Premier League winner Wayne Rooney believes Arsenal are now the definitive favourites to end their 22-year title wait, while former City keeper Joe Hart expects his old club to be triumphant.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

The book doesn’t necessarily end with me being triumphant and feeling at ease.I still feel that as an artist, and I think that’s why it’s just an ongoing battle.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

A school choir was left speechless after Simon Cowell emerged triumphant from under a red sheet draped over what they believed was a new statue honouring an influential figure in the music industry.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Kahlo depicts two sides of herself in the masterpiece—one lying bloody on a gurney after a surgery and the other sitting up, triumphant in a red, traditional dress.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

She pulled her hand away from her sister’s, thinking she’d feel triumphant and grown up.

From "Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World" by Ashley Herring Blake

Related Words

• celebratory
• elated
• exultant
• glorious
• happy
• jubilant
• proud
• triumphal
• victorious