triple jump
B2Formal/Specialized
Definition
Meaning
an athletics event in which the competitor performs a hop, a step, and a jump in sequence from a running start.
Used metaphorically to describe any three-stage process or sequence of actions where each stage builds momentum for the next.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Specifically refers to the Olympic and world championship track and field event. The sequence is strictly defined: the athlete must land on the same foot from which they took off (hop), land on the opposite foot (step), and then jump into the pit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Minor differences in event organization terminology (e.g., 'meet' vs 'meeting').
Connotations
Associated with Olympic glory and technical precision in both variants.
Frequency
Frequency is similar, spiking during major athletics events like the Olympics or World Championships.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[athlete] triple-jumped [distance][athlete] competed in the triple jumpto do the triple jumpVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Life is a triple jump—plan your hop, step, and leap.”
- “It was a triple-jump promotion: assistant, manager, director in two years.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'Our market entry was a triple jump: research, pilot, full launch.'
Academic
Discussed in sports science papers on biomechanics and kinetics.
Everyday
Primarily used when talking about the Olympics or school sports days.
Technical
Detailed discussion of phases (hop, step, jump), approach run, take-off angles, and foul rules.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She will triple-jump in the finals tomorrow.
- He triple-jumped to a new personal best.
American English
- She's slated to triple-jump at the meet.
- He triple-jumped his way to the national title.
adjective
British English
- The triple jump competition starts at 3 pm.
- He holds the triple jump world record.
American English
- The triple jump event is scheduled for Friday.
- She's the triple jump favorite.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The triple jump is in the Olympics.
- They jump far in the triple jump.
- The athlete won a gold medal in the triple jump.
- The triple jump requires speed, strength, and coordination.
- Her triple jump technique is remarkable, especially her penultimate step.
- He fouled his first two attempts in the triple jump final.
- Analysing the triple jump through biomechanics reveals the critical trade-off between hop length and jump preparation.
- The reigning champion's ability to maintain horizontal velocity through the step phase is unparalleled.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a frog (triple) leaping over a skipping rope (jump) in three distinct bounces: hop, step, JUMP!
Conceptual Metaphor
A THREE-STAGE PROCESS IS A TRIPLE JUMP (e.g., a project's phases).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не 'тройной прыжок' в смысле трех отдельных прыжков, а один составной. Избегайте буквального перевода для метафор.
Common Mistakes
- Saying 'triple jumper' for the event instead of the athlete.
- Confusing the order of phases (it's always hop, then step, then jump).
- Using 'triple jump' as a verb without hyphenating ('He triple-jumped 17m').
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct sequence of movements in a triple jump?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is written as two separate words: 'triple jump'.
The long jump is a single leap from a run-up. The triple jump consists of three connected movements: a hop, a step, and a jump from a run-up.
Yes, but it is usually hyphenated: 'to triple-jump'. (e.g., She triple-jumped 14.50 metres.)
'Hop, step and jump' is the older, descriptive name for the event. 'Triple jump' is now the standard international term.