Word
triceps
Phoneticstri·ceps, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɹaɪˌsɛps/
UK/tɹˈaɪsɛps/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the large muscle on the back of your upper arm that straightens your elbow when you push something.
n. the large three-headed muscle running along the back of the upper arm from shoulder to elbow, responsible for extending the elbow joint. Works in opposition to the biceps during pushing movements.
Examples
“Push-ups make your triceps burn.”
“The coach shows the athletes how to stretch their triceps after lifting weights.”
“Years of competitive swimming developed her triceps into powerful drivers of each stroke, giving her a clear advantage in the final lap.”
Examples
simple
“Push-ups make your triceps burn.”
contextual
“The coach shows the athletes how to stretch their triceps after lifting weights.”
complex
“Years of competitive swimming developed her triceps into powerful drivers of each stroke, giving her a clear advantage in the final lap.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “triceps” in context.
Verb
01. build triceps
“Push-ups and dips are excellent for building triceps.”
verb + noun
02. push with triceps
“Push with your triceps, not just your shoulders, to lift the weight.”
verb + prep + noun
03. stretch triceps
“Remember to stretch triceps after every arm workout.”
verb + noun
04. tear triceps
“He tore his triceps during the weightlifting competition.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. sore triceps
“I had sore triceps after doing twenty push-ups yesterday.”
adj + noun
06. strong triceps
“You need strong triceps to do push-ups and lift heavy boxes.”
adj + noun
07. tight triceps
“He felt tight triceps after the intense upper-body workout.”
adj + noun
08. toned triceps
“Regular swimming gave her toned triceps and stronger shoulders.”
adj + noun
09. build stronger triceps
“Doing push-ups three times a week will help you build stronger triceps.”
10. do triceps dips at home
“You can do triceps dips at home using a stable chair.”
11. feel the burn in triceps
“By the tenth push-up, you will feel the burn in your triceps.”
12. stretch your triceps after training
“Always stretch your triceps after training to prevent stiffness.”
Usage
Singular and plural are both 'triceps'; verb agreement follows singular or plural sense.
Etymology
From Latin triceps (“triple-headed”), from trēs (“three”) + caput (“head”). See there for more details.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/triceps