Triathlon
/traɪˈæθ.lən/noun
An endurance race combining swimming, cycling, and running.
Did you know?The word was modeled on Greek athletic terms, with tri- meaning “three” and -athlon meaning “contest,” a root also seen in words for prizes and struggles in the ancient world.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*treyes
“three”
Ancient Greek
GRK
treîs / tría
“three”
Ancient Greek
GRK
áthlon
“prize, contest, or feat”
Modern English
English
triathlon
“a race or event with three different athletic disciplines”
Explore more surprising origins