modern pentathlon

noun

: a composite contest in which all contestants compete in a 300-meter freestyle swim, a 4000-meter cross-country run, a 5000-meter 30-jump equestrian steeplechase, épée fencing, and target shooting at 25 meters

Examples of modern pentathlon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
And the modern pentathlon – a rather odd event in which athletes traditionally compete in fencing, showjumping, a 200-meter freestyle swim and a laser run that combines running and shooting – will take on a new complexion in LA. Issy Ronald, CNN, 12 Aug. 2024 The Paris 2024 Olympics were clearly saving the best for last — no, not the big finals in basketball, soccer, volleyball, or even the modern pentathlon. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2024 Showjumping will be replaced by obstacle racing, a decision that kept the sport in the Olympics, the IOC said in a statement, following a widespread outcry during Tokyo 2020 when Germany’s modern pentathlon coach, Kim Raisner, was disqualified for hitting a horse. Issy Ronald, CNN, 12 Aug. 2024 Among the institutions hit were those serving as 2024 Olympic venues, including Paris’s Grand Palais, which is hosting fencing and taekwondo competitions, and, twelve miles west of the city, the Château de Versailles, the site of the games’ equestrian sports and modern pentathlon events. News Desk, Artforum, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for modern pentathlon 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of modern pentathlon was circa 1912

Dictionary Entries Near modern pentathlon

Cite this Entry

“Modern pentathlon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modern%20pentathlon. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on modern pentathlon

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!