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noun

triathlon

treye-ATH-lon

Triathlon (noun) means an endurance sporting event combining swimming, cycling, and running, completed one after another. Example: “She finished her first triathlon in just under three hours.”

noun
1
An endurance sporting event combining swimming, cycling, and running, completed one after another.
"She finished her first triathlon in just under three hours."

How to use triathlon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA race combining swimming, cycling, and running back to back.

Common pairings
train for a triathlon compete in a triathlon

Word forms

triathlons plural

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She finished her first _____ in just under three hours.

Etymology

Formed from tri- ("three") plus the -athlon of decathlon and pentathlon, itself from Greek athlon, "contest."

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for triathlon

See all rhymes for triathlon →

Frequently asked questions

What does “triathlon” mean?

The word “triathlon” means an endurance sporting event combining swimming, cycling, and running, completed one after another. In plain terms, a race combining swimming, cycling, and running back to back.

How do you pronounce “triathlon”?

“Triathlon” is pronounced treye-ATH-lon (/tɹaɪˈæθˌlɑn/ in IPA).

How do you use “triathlon” in a sentence?

Here is “triathlon” used in a sentence: “She finished her first triathlon in just under three hours.”

What part of speech is “triathlon”?

“Triathlon” is a noun.

Where does the word “triathlon” come from?

The word “triathlon” comes from Greek. Formed from tri- ("three") plus the -athlon of decathlon and pentathlon, itself from Greek athlon, "contest.".

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial