javelin

noun

jav·​e·​lin
ˈjav-lən,
ˈja-və- How to pronounce javelin (audio)
1
: a light spear thrown as a weapon of war or in hunting
2
a
: a slender usually metal shaft at least 260 centimeters long that is thrown for distance in an athletic field event
b
or javelin throw : an athletic field event in which a javelin is thrown for distance
won the gold medal in the javelin
… Serene Ross, who set her second American record in three weeks in the javelin throw in winning at 197 feet.Frank Litsky

Examples of javelin in a Sentence

from atop his horse the warrior hurled a javelin that pierced the chest of his hapless foe
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.
Some of them include: Sports day tournament: Transform your backyard into a sports arena with a variety of challenges such as long jump, javelin throw using pool noodles, hopscotch competitions, relay races, and more. Kristina Behr, Parents, 20 July 2024 After Pakistani javelin athlete Arshad Nadeem hurtled his way into the Olympic history books, his country threw him welcome celebrations fit for a king. Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 12 Aug. 2024 Nearby, the team also found broken iron sword handles, curved blades, javelin points and a spearhead. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 July 2024 Among them include pole vault, decathlon, javelin and marathons. Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 6 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for javelin 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English chafeveleyn, from Middle French javeline, alteration of javelot, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish gabul forked stick

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of javelin was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near javelin

Cite this Entry

“Javelin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/javelin. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

javelin

noun
jav·​e·​lin ˈjav-(ə-)lən How to pronounce javelin (audio)
1
: a light spear
2
: a slender usually metal shaft that is thrown for distance in a track-and-field event

More from Merriam-Webster on javelin

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