trigonometry

noun

trig·​o·​nom·​e·​try ˌtri-gə-ˈnä-mə-trē 

: the study of the properties of triangles and trigonometric functions and of their applications

Examples of trigonometry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That doesn’t stop Hannah from participating in track, basketball and flag football, or taking honors classes like trigonometry and pre-calculus. —Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025

Geometry should instead be grouped with trigonometry in precalculus courses because these kinds of math are more naturally related, Dalal suggested. —Carson Swick, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 2025

Calculator App: Apple is giving its Calculator app an upgrade by adding new features like the ability to enter and continue to view complete expressions (with trigonometry, parentheses, and multiple operations) before pressing equals to see the final answer. —Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2025

Although the Pythagorean theorem has been proved with algebra and geometry, mathematicians previously thought that it couldn’t be proved using trigonometry. —Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin trigonometria, from Greek trigōnon + -metria -metry

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing trigonometry

• spherical trigonometry

Rhymes for trigonometry

• anthropometry
• audiometry
• densitometry
• radiometry
• sociometry
• cytometry
• geometry
• isometry
• manometry
• morphometry
• optometry
• photometry

Kids Definition

trigonometry

noun

trig·​o·​nom·​e·​try ˌtrig-ə-ˈnäm-ə-trē 

: a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of the properties of triangles and trigonometric functions and of their practical uses

Etymology

from scientific Latin trigonometria, literally "triangle measurement," derived from Greek tri- "three" and Greek gonia "angle" and Greek -metria "art or science of measuring"