triangular
Americanadjective
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Also: trigonal. of, shaped like, or relating to a triangle; having three corners or sides
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of or involving three participants, pieces, or units
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maths having a base shaped like a triangle
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of triangular
1535–45; < Latin triangulāris, equivalent to triangul ( um ) triangle + -āris -ar 1
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Burdge initially considered whether the repeating triangular signal might come from another black widow system.
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
Because it protrudes at a slight angle, swells approaching from the south or southwest bounce off the jetty and mutate into triangular peaks—hence the spot’s name.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
In August 2023, according to the release, Normandin-Parker’s friend, Luna Moore, got sick in the Uber and the driver, Vu Tran, stopped at a freeway gore point, the triangular area by the freeway’s off-ramp.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026
Crisp gray couches and metallic triangular coffee tables?
From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
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