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

Exceptions from that are pole vault and javelin because athletes are moving with so much force that the spike needs to penetrate the surface to avoid injury. —Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 11 Aug. 2024

Because that section has been specifically engineered for javelin throwers. —Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 11 Aug. 2024

Arshad Nadeem competes in the men's javelin throw final at the 2024 Summer Olympics. —NBC News, 9 Aug. 2024

If so, fans may be able to see his unusal pre-game training routine, which includes throwing a javelin. —Stephen Wade, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 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