triangular

American  

[trahy-ang-gyuh-ler] / traɪˈæŋ gjə lər /

adjective

1. pertaining to or having the form of a triangle; three-cornered.

2. having a triangle as base or cross section.

   a triangular prism.

3. comprising three parts or elements; triple.

4. pertaining to or involving a group of three, as three persons, parties, or things.

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triangular British  

/ traɪˈæŋɡjʊlə /

adjective

1. Also: trigonal. of, shaped like, or relating to a triangle; having three corners or sides

2. of or involving three participants, pieces, or units

3. maths having a base shaped like a triangle

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Other Word Forms

• subtriangularity
  noun
• triangularity
  noun
• subtriangular
  adjective
• triangularly
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of triangular

1535–45; < Latin triangulāris, equivalent to triangul ( um ) triangle + -āris -ar ¹

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Explanation

Anything that looks like a a shape with three sides and three angles is triangular. If you see a triangular fin in the ocean while you’re swimming, watch out! Shark! Start looking for triangular shapes and you'll begin to see them everywhere, from a triangular slice of pizza to a tortilla chip. Like triangle, triangular is rooted in the Latin tri-, "three," and angulus, "angle or corner." You'll also occasionally find this adjective describing things that involve three people, like a triangular relationship between three best friends.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

triangular

Many wore triangular paper hats similar to a popular animated character from Czech TV that has become a symbol of the protest.

From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2026

Rather than engage in a diplomatic spat, Visit Norway embraced the president’s characterization, promoting restrooms that include the award-winning Stegastein viewpoint toilet overlooking Aurlandsfjord and the triangular Golden Toilet on Senja Island.

From Salon ● Oct. 31, 2026

That realization also helped explain the strange triangular light pattern that first attracted Burdge's attention.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 10, 2026

Boasting breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, this gem is located on a triangular 0.4-acre oceanfront lot.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 7, 2026

Behind his glasses and striking outfit he possesses an imposing bald forehead and the huge, triangular upper body of a comic-book bully.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

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Related Words

• trilateral

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