tripod

noun

tri·​pod ˈtrī-ˌpäd How to pronounce tripod (audio)
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 How to pronounce tripod (audio)
ˈtrī-ˌpä-

Examples of tripod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for tripod

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tripod was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tripod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tripod. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

tripod

noun
tri·​pod ˈtrī-ˌpäd How to pronounce tripod (audio)
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 How to pronounce tripod (audio)
: a bone having three processes

More from Merriam-Webster on tripod

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