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

Then comes a synthetic track and a turf infield for events such as discus and javelin. —David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024

Those most in need of it are baseball pitchers, but javelin throwers and gymnasts can sometimes require it to. —Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2024

Men and women compete in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, 800 meters, 1,500 meters, 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters, steeplechase, marathon, 400-meter hurdles, shot put, javelin, discus, hammer throw, high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault and race walk. —Adam Kilgore, Washington Post, 20 June 2024

The 77-year-old was greeted there that March day by the usual crew training for the Golden Age Games: There was Roger, 82, who had piled up medals in javelin, discus and shot put. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 15 June 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

• javelin throw
• 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