trillion

noun

tril·​lion ˈtri(l)-yən How to pronounce trillion (audio)
Synonyms of trillionnext
1
: a number equal to 1,000 times one billion see Table of Numbers
2
: an indeterminately large number
a trillion mosquitoes out tonight
trillion adjective
trillionth
ˈtri(l)-yən(t)th How to pronounce trillion (audio)
adjective or noun

Examples of trillion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With trillions of dollars there for the taking, investments are being made by the same small coterie of companies and people that now controls the entire federal government. — Kara Swisher, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2025 There is also growing uncertainty about the nation’s trillions of dollars in student loans and whether the government will stay in the business of lending money to students directly. — Alexandra Banner, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025 The freeze, which potentially affects trillions of dollars, was implemented by the White House last month to ensure compliance with Trump's orders barring diversity programs. — Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 Republicans want to cut at least $1.5 trillion in spending over a 10-year period to pay for trillions in tax cuts, while increasing funding in some areas. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trillion

Word History

Etymology

French, from tri- + -illion (as in million)

First Known Use

1690, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trillion was in 1690

Rhymes for trillion

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Browse Nearby Words

trillion
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Cite this Entry

“Trillion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trillion. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

trillion

noun
tril·​lion ˈtril-yən How to pronounce trillion (audio)
1
: a number equal to 1,000 times one billion see number
2
: a very large number
a trillion mosquitoes out tonight
trillion adjective
trillionth
-yən(t)th How to pronounce trillion (audio)
adjective
trillionth noun

More from Merriam-Webster on trillion

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for trillion

Nglish: Translation of trillion for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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