biathlon
noun
bi·ath·lon
bī-ˈath-lən 
-ˌlän
: a composite athletic contest consisting of cross-country skiing and rifle sharpshooting
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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
German biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier, who captured two gold medals at the 2018 Olympics, died in mountaineering accident in a remote range of Pakistan, officials said Wednesday.
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David K. Li, NBC news, 30 July 2025
Belarusian competitors excel in biathlon and aerial skiing, and the two sports account for every medal but one that the nation has won at the Winter Games.
—Blythe Lawrence, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Over 500 athletes from 23 nations came together to participate in the sports tournament, which added the new winter sports of alpine skiing and snowboarding, Nordic skiing, biathlon, skeleton and wheelchair curling to its lineup for the first time.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025
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
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David K. Li, NBC news, 30 July 2025
Belarusian competitors excel in biathlon and aerial skiing, and the two sports account for every medal but one that the nation has won at the Winter Games.
—Blythe Lawrence, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Over 500 athletes from 23 nations came together to participate in the sports tournament, which added the new winter sports of alpine skiing and snowboarding, Nordic skiing, biathlon, skeleton and wheelchair curling to its lineup for the first time.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for biathlon
Cite this Entry
“Biathlon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biathlon. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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