What does triumph mean?
Triumph is a word for a victory or success that is especially notable, often because it was achieved after considerable difficulty, opposition, or danger. As a noun, it can refer to the achievement itself, as in a scientific triumph, or to the public celebration of a victory. As a verb, it means to achieve victory, as in a team that triumphed over its opponents, and it can also mean to celebrate a success. The word carries strongly positive associations with achievement, resilience, and recognition. It is often more emphatic than simply success and more solemn than a casual win, although it is used in both formal and everyday contexts. Its history comes from ancient Rome, where a victorious general received a public triumph, a ceremonial procession honoring his success.
A great victory or success, especially one achieved with difficulty; also, the celebration of such a success.
"The successful rescue was hailed as a triumph of courage and cooperation."
Usually countable, with the plural triumphs. It can also be used in the phrase a triumph of something to mean a striking example of a quality or achievement.
To achieve victory or success, especially in the face of difficulty; to celebrate or display a successful outcome.
"The campaigners triumphed over years of opposition and uncertainty."
Often used figuratively, especially in the expression triumph over something. The related form triumphantly describes an action performed in a victorious or exultant manner.
The plural is used for separate victories, successes, or notable achievements.
"The scientist counted her early breakthroughs as some of her greatest triumphs."
The word preserves the grandeur of ancient Rome, where a victorious general celebrated a triumph in a public procession.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does triumph come from?
The English word comes through Old French triumphe from Latin triumphus, meaning “victory” and also referring to the solemn Roman procession held to honor a victorious general. The Roman ceremony gave the word its association with public celebration and honor. The modern noun and verb developed from this inherited Latin and French vocabulary, while triumphal and triumphant are related forms based on the same root.
Related word forms
How triumph is actually used
Triumph is strongly positive and can suggest a victory that is especially remarkable because it was hard-won. In formal or historical contexts, it may also evoke ceremony and public celebration. The related adjective triumphant describes a person or thing that is victorious or exultantly successful.
Easily confused with triumph
A triumph is a victory or notable success, whereas a trump is a card that can win a trick or, figuratively, an advantage.
Triumph is the noun or verb for a victory, while triumphal is an adjective describing something connected with a victory or celebration.