biathlon

noun

bi·​ath·​lon bī-ˈath-lən How to pronounce biathlon (audio)
-ˌlän
: a composite athletic contest consisting of cross-country skiing and rifle sharpshooting

Did you know?

A winter sports event, the biathlon combines cross-country skiing with rifle sharpshooting. It originated in Scandinavian hunting. It was first included in the Winter Olympics program in 1960. Competitors cover a 20-km (12.5-mile) course, carrying a rifle and ammunition. They stop at four points to fire five shots at small targets. Relay and 10-km events were added in 1968 and 1980 respectively.

Examples of biathlon in a Sentence

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.
As a Games legacy, future users will be able to experience biathlon without the safety risks and environmental impact associated with live fire ammunition. Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 22 Jan. 2025 In Nordic countries, cross country skiing and biathlon are mainstays on television. Tim Genske, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 Two male coaches and a former men's biathlon team member confirmed the culture of misogyny described by the women, who reported facing retaliation after speaking out. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 In 2023, the Games traveled to Dusseldorf, Germany and will head to both Vancouver and Whistler, Canada from Feb. 8 to 16, 2025 — the first time winter sports like alpine skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, Nordic skiing, skeleton and wheelchair curling will be introduced to the Games. Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for biathlon 

Word History

Etymology

bi- entry 1 + -athlon (as in decathlon)

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biathlon was in 1956

Dictionary Entries Near biathlon

Cite this Entry

“Biathlon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biathlon. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on biathlon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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