adjective
triumphal
try-UM-ful/traɪˈʌmfl/
Celebrating or expressing victory.
Laurel garlands decorate the triumphal arch in celebration of victory.
Etymology
A triumphus was a ceremonial procession celebrating a victorious commander. Triumphal carries that public celebration of success into its broader meaning of celebrating or expressing victory.
In context
The triumphal procession of Lucius Veris held in October 166 AD was meant to be a celebration of Roman victory over the Parththeians.
More examples
- A triumphal arch commemorates the army's victory.
- The orchestra plays a triumphal march as the winners enter.
- The team makes a triumphal return to its hometown.
Forms
triumph noun — A great victory or notable success.
Similar words
- triumphant
- Emphasizes achieving victory or feeling victorious rather than celebrating it.
- celebratory
- Marks any happy occasion, not necessarily a victory.
- victorious
- Describes winning itself rather than ceremonies celebrating a win.