triathlon

noun

tri·​ath·​lon trī-ˈath-lən How to pronounce triathlon (audio)
-ˌlän,
 nonstandard  -ˈa-thə-
: an athletic contest that is a long-distance race consisting of three phases (such as swimming, bicycling, and running)

Examples of triathlon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For years, the triathlon’s bicycling course has run through the Zuma Beach undercrossing at Busch Drive, but the series of storms flooded the underpass. Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2023 Kanaan is also a runner and cyclist who has competed in several triathlon and Ironman competitions. Chris Damond, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2024 Unfortunately, the biggest triathlon events tend to take place in hotter climates like Kona, Hawaii, the traditional site of the Ironman World Championships. Bill Gifford, Men's Health, 12 June 2023 Those include its iconic triathlons—consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 140.6-mile run—as well as triathlons of half that distance, Ironman 70.3 races, and half-marathons. Phil Wahba, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2024 Braun says another key piece of his recovery puzzle was having a supportive community in the endurance-sports world in L.A., along with friends who supported his triathlon journey. Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2023 Sarah has participated alongside him in a few triathlons, making for some healthy competition. Kaitlin Stevens, Peoplemag, 13 Jan. 2024 For an outdoor athlete pushing their heart and lungs to the max in performance races like these triathlons, wildfire smoke is not good at all. Lori Nickel, Journal Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2023 As of December, 29 YMCAs in Connecticut and three other states have agreed to host a triathlon this year, says Rebecca. Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 14 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'triathlon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

tri- + -athlon (as in decathlon)

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of triathlon was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near triathlon

Cite this Entry

“Triathlon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/triathlon. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

triathlon

noun
tri·​ath·​lon ˌtrī-ˈath-ˌlän How to pronounce triathlon (audio)
: an athletic contest that is a long-distance race consisting of three phases (as swimming, bicycling, and running)

More from Merriam-Webster on triathlon

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