verb
triangulate
treye-ANGG-yuh-layt
Triangulate (verb) means to find the exact location of something by measuring angles from two or more known points. Example: “Surveyors triangulated the position of the new boundary marker.”
verb
1
To find the exact location of something by measuring angles from two or more known points.
"Surveyors triangulated the position of the new boundary marker."
2
(figurative) To play two people or groups against each other to gain an advantage.
"Cruz, meanwhile, could wind up in the hot seat as he tries to triangulate between his disagreement with Trump’s position and his clear unwillingness to openly attack."
— Alexis Levinson, Four Storylines to Watch at the Las Vegas GOP Debate (2015)
"The politician was accused of trying to triangulate rival factions within the party."
How to use triangulate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo pinpoint a location using angle measurements, or figuratively, to maneuver between two opposing sides for your own benefit.
Common pairings
triangulate a signal
triangulate a position
triangulate between factions
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like triangulate.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- triangulates
- Past tense
- triangulated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Surveyors _____ the position of the new boundary marker.
Etymology
From Latin triangulum, "triangle," plus the verb-forming suffix -ate — the surveying sense comes from using triangles of known points to calculate an unknown position.
Rhymes for triangulate
See all rhymes for triangulate →Frequently asked questions
What does “triangulate” mean?
The word “triangulate” means to find the exact location of something by measuring angles from two or more known points. In plain terms, to pinpoint a location using angle measurements, or figuratively, to maneuver between two opposing sides for your own benefit.
How do you pronounce “triangulate”?
“Triangulate” is pronounced treye-ANGG-yuh-layt (/tɹaɪˈæŋɡjəleɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “triangulate” in a sentence?
Here is “triangulate” used in a sentence: “Surveyors triangulated the position of the new boundary marker.”
What part of speech is “triangulate”?
“Triangulate” is a verb.
Where does the word “triangulate” come from?
The word “triangulate” comes from Latin. From Latin triangulum, "triangle," plus the verb-forming suffix -ate — the surveying sense comes from using triangles of known points to calculate an unknown position.
How many meanings does “triangulate” have?
“Triangulate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to find the exact location of something by measuring angles from two or more known points.
