trident
noun
a three-pronged instrument or weapon.
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trident
American
[trahyd-nt]
/ ˈtraɪd nt /
noun
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a three-pronged instrument or weapon.
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Roman History. a three-pronged spear used by a retiarius in gladiatorial combats.
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Classical Mythology. the three-pronged spear forming a characteristic attribute of the sea god Poseidon, or Neptune.
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a fish spear having three prongs.
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Military. Trident, a 34-foot (10-meter) submarine-launched U.S. ballistic missile with eight to ten warheads and a range of 6,500 miles (10,459 km).
adjective
trident
1
British
/ ˈtraɪdənt /
noun
-
a three-pronged spear, originally from the East
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(in Greek and Roman mythology) the three-pronged spear that the sea god Poseidon (Neptune) is represented as carrying
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a three-pronged instrument, weapon, or symbol
adjective
Trident
2
British
/ ˈtraɪdənt /
noun
Etymology
Origin of trident
First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin trident- (stem of tridēns ) “having three teeth”; see tri-, dent 2
Explanation
If you’re the ancient Greek god of the sea, you’re probably already familiar with a trident, a three-pronged spear you can use to stab things. The trident, which is a spear with three points, or prongs, is often associated with the Greek god Poseidon, who used his trident to cause earthquakes and create sources of water. Mere mortals, however, are more likely to use a trident for spear fishing, or long ago, for military combat. Remember not to confuse a trident with a pitchfork, which is used mainly for lifting and tossing things.
Vocabulary lists containing trident
UCPS 6th Grade Roots List #5
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UCPS 6th Grade Roots List #6
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Prefixes: tri-
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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.
Deterra has a royalty over the Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada following its 2024 acquisition of Trident Royalties.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
Deterra has a royalty over the Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada following its 2024 acquisition of Trident Royalties.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
This includes the UK's four Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines which carry Trident nuclear missiles.
From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026
In September, the United States carried out tests of its nuclear-capable Trident missiles.
From Barron's • Oct. 30, 2025
Jon Arryn had told them that a commander needs a good battlefield voice, and Robert had proved the truth of that on the Trident.
From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
