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

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There are also medal events in handball, modern pentathlon, track cycling, water polo, weightlifting and wrestling. Hunter Patterson, The Athletic, 10 Aug. 2024 However, Egypt could close strong — four of its six medals in Tokyo came in modern pentathlon, taekwondo and wrestling, all of which are contested this week. Mark Puleo and John Bradford, The Athletic, 6 Aug. 2024 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 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 22 Dec. 2024.

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