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

Alternatively, there is a tripod mount built into the base of the webcam offering even more positioning opportunities. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024

Photographers may only use monopods until 9:30 p.m. each night, but tripods are welcome between 9:30 and 10 p.m. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2024

This will take a longer exposure, allowing more time for light to enter the lens, which is why the tripod is so important for getting a sharp image. —Maya Silver, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2024

Trending Video 3 Interior Designers Transform The Same Galley Kitchen Though the original vision for Tower Palace Three didn’t come to pass in Seoul, the Smith still had the idea for a supertall structure with varied stepping from the three points of the tripod. —Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2024

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

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