javelin

noun

jav·​e·​lin

ˈjav-lən,

ˈja-və- 

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

Synonyms

• lance
• pike
• pikestaff
• shaft
• spear

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

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

The competition requires balancing seven events over two days, including the high jump, shot put, javelin and an 800-meter run. —Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 4 Aug. 2024

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

Phrases Containing javelin

• the javelin

Kids Definition

javelin

noun

jav·​e·​lin ˈjav-(ə-)lən 

1

: a light spear

2

: a slender usually metal shaft that is thrown for distance in a track-and-field event