English Reference
adjective

victorious

adj.
US /vɪkˈtɔɹiəs/ UK /vɪktˈɔːɹɪəs/ vic·to·ri·ous

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    having won a game, competition, or battle.

    having achieved victory in a competition, struggle, or war.

    Simple

    The victorious team celebrated their championship win with a parade through the city.

    In context

    The victorious army marched through the capital, though the cost of their hard-won triumph was evident in the weary faces of the soldiers.

    Usage

    Often used before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'emerge'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    showing that you are happy and proud because you have won.

    of or expressing a sense of triumph or success.

    Simple

    He gave a victorious shout as he crossed the finish line in first place.

    In context

    She wore a victorious smile throughout the press conference, clearly enjoying the validation of her controversial theories.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense focuses on the outward display of emotion rather than the status of being the winner.

    exultantjubilant

This will be the 76th meeting between the sides with City winning 41 of the matches, and Palace emerging victorious on 18 occasions.

Al Jazeera· 27 Aug 2026

Even though Bollier lost that race, she still feels victorious.

The Guardian· 31 Aug 2026

Borrowed from Latin victōriōsus, from victōria (“victory”), from victor (“conqueror”). Displaced native Old English siġefæst.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin victōriōsus
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated