triathlete: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequency (specialist term)Sports journalism, athletic, fitness
Quick answer
What does “triathlete” mean?
An athlete who competes in a triathlon.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An athlete who competes in a triathlon.
A person who is trained and skilled in the three disciplines of swimming, cycling, and running, and participates in races combining these sports.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Connotes dedication, endurance, and a high level of fitness in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, appearing primarily in sports contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “triathlete” in a Sentence
[NP] is a triathletethe triathlete [VP]triathlete [PrepP (in/of)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “triathlete” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No common verb form derived directly from 'triathlete']
American English
- [No common verb form derived directly from 'triathlete']
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form derived directly from 'triathlete']
American English
- [No adverb form derived directly from 'triathlete']
adjective
British English
- She follows a strict triathlete training regimen.
American English
- He has a very triathlete mindset, focused on multi-sport goals.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In sports marketing or event management: 'We need to attract more professional triathletes to our sponsorship programme.'
Academic
In sports science or physiology research: 'The study compared the lactate thresholds of elite triathletes and marathon runners.'
Everyday
In conversation: 'My neighbour is a triathlete, so she's always training.'
Technical
In coaching or race commentary: 'The triathlete executed a flawless transition from the swim to the bike leg.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “triathlete”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “triathlete”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “triathlete”
- Misspelling as *'triathelete'* (extra 'e').
- Confusing with 'decathlete' (ten events).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can refer to anyone who competes in triathlons, from amateurs to professionals.
A triathlete competes in swimming, cycling, and running. A decathlete competes in ten track and field events.
Yes, it is a gender-neutral noun. The term applies equally to men and women.
It is a modern compound word, formed in the late 20th century from 'triathlon' (from Greek 'tri-' meaning 'three' and 'athlon' meaning 'contest') + the suffix '-ete' from 'athlete'.
An athlete who competes in a triathlon.
Triathlete is usually sports journalism, athletic, fitness in register.
Triathlete: in British English it is pronounced /traɪˈæθ.liːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /traɪˈæθ.liːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms; term is a compound noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TRI (three) + ATHLETE. An athlete who does THREE sports: swim, bike, run.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENDURANCE IS A JOURNEY / THE BODY IS A MACHINE (e.g., 'She's finely tuned like a racing car').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a triathlete?