pentathlon

noun

pen·​tath·​lon pen-ˈtath-lən 

-ˌlän,

 nonstandard  -ˈta-thə-

: an athletic contest involving participation by each contestant in five different events

especially : modern pentathlon

Did you know?

The Greek word athlos means "contest or trial", so to be an athlete you had to compete in physical contests. The ancient Greek pentathlon tested warriors' skills in sprinting, long jumping, javelin throwing, discus throwing, and wrestling, none of which are part of today's Olympic pentathlon. But a pentathlete must still have muscles and reflexes suited to almost any kind of physical feat.

Examples of pentathlon in a Sentence

the winner of the Olympic pentathlon

Recent Examples on the Web

The final new event is also unconventional: Obstacle courses are coming to the Olympics in 2028 as part of the existing pentathlon. —Justin Klawans, The Week Us, theweek, 14 Aug. 2024

The obstacle courses will join running, swimming, shooting and fencing as the five events that make up the Olympic pentathlon. —Justin Klawans, The Week Us, theweek, 14 Aug. 2024

Brundage had participated at the 1912 Olympics in the pentathlon and then spent his career climbing the ranks of sports administration. —Debbie Sharnak & Yannick Kluch / Made By History, TIME, 30 July 2024

During the pentathlon, long jumpers used to rock back and forth to the rhythms of live flute music, then run and leap while swinging two heavy weights to increase their momentum. —Philip Montgomery, New York Times, 25 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek, from penta- + athlon contest

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pentathlon

• modern pentathlon

Kids Definition

pentathlon

noun

pen·​tath·​lon pen-ˈtath-lən 

-ˌlän

: an athletic contest made up of five different track-and-field events