trig point: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Specialised; Technical (Surveying, Hiking, Geography)
Quick answer
What does “trig point” mean?
A fixed surveying station, often a concrete pillar, used as a reference point for mapping and land surveying.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fixed surveying station, often a concrete pillar, used as a reference point for mapping and land surveying.
A high point or landmark used for navigation, often in hiking or mountaineering contexts. Sometimes used metaphorically for any significant reference point.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
"Trig point" is standard in UK English. In US English, the equivalent term is "survey marker," "triangulation station," or "benchmark." The UK hiking usage is largely absent in US English.
Connotations
In the UK, the term often has positive recreational connotations for hikers (a goal to reach). In US technical contexts, it's a neutral, precise term.
Frequency
High frequency in UK specialist and hiking contexts; very low to zero in general American English, where alternative terms are used.
Grammar
How to Use “trig point” in a Sentence
The trig point [is located/stands/sits] on [Hill Name].[Hikers/Surveyors] [use/seek/reach] the trig point.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trig point” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to trig point this hill for the new map. (rare, technical)
American English
- The team will benchmark the location. (uses synonym)
adjective
British English
- The trig-point data was crucial for the survey.
American English
- The survey-marker coordinates are on file.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in geography, geology, and surveying papers.
Everyday
Used in UK by hikers and walkers discussing routes and summits.
Technical
Core term in cartography, surveying, and geodetics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trig point”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “trig point”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trig point”
- Misspelling as *"trig point" (no space) or *"trigpoint."
- Confusing it with a "trig station" (which can be the entire setup, not just the marker).
- Using it in general American English where it is not recognised.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specifically British and Commonwealth term. Americans use 'survey marker,' 'benchmark,' or 'triangulation station.'
It is a contraction of 'triangulation,' referring to the method of surveying by forming triangles from a network of points.
Only if you are in the UK and talking about hiking or geography. It is not a general-purpose everyday word.
They are related. A benchmark is a type of survey mark indicating a known elevation. A trig point is specifically for triangulation (horizontal position). Many trig points also have a benchmark, but not all benchmarks are trig points.
A fixed surveying station, often a concrete pillar, used as a reference point for mapping and land surveying.
Trig point is usually specialised; technical (surveying, hiking, geography) in register.
Trig point: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtrɪɡ ˌpɔɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtrɪɡ ˌpɔɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of TRIangulation + Point = TRIG POINT. It's the point where surveyors make triangles on a map.
Conceptual Metaphor
A KNOWLEDGE ANCHOR (a fixed point from which understanding/measurement radiates).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'trig point' most likely to be used?