tripod

noun

tri·​pod ˈtrī-ˌpäd 

1

: a three-legged stand (as for a camera)

2

: a stool, table, or altar with three legs

3

: a vessel (such as a cauldron) resting on three legs

tripod adjective

or tripodal

ˈtri-pə-dᵊl 

ˈtrī-ˌpä-

Examples of tripod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To snap a pic, place your camera on a tripod and use exposures of at least several seconds. —Kristal Dixon, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025

This is when binoculars or a telescope may come in handy, as well as long-exposure images taken with a camera on a tripod for stability. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025

Other techniques include using a tripod or stabilizing your phone on a flat surface and attaching a clip-on telephoto lens to magnify the moon. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

To photograph the event, a camera on a tripod with a long exposure setting of at least a few seconds will help bring out the deep red hues of the Moon during totality​. Skywatchers can also visit observatories and local astronomy clubs, many of which sometimes host public viewing events. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin tripod-, tripus, from Greek tripod-, tripous, from tripod-, tripous, adjective, three-footed, from tri- + pod-, pous foot — more at foot

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for tripod

• abroad
• applaud
• backboard
• ballade
• defraud
• ephod
• facade
• guffawed
• outlawed
• ramrod
• roughshod
• slipshod

Kids Definition

tripod

noun

tri·​pod ˈtrī-ˌpäd 

1

: something (as a container or stool) resting on three legs

2

: a three-legged stand (as for a camera)

Medical Definition

tripod

noun

tri·​pod ˈtrī-ˌpäd 

: a bone having three processes