biathlon
noun
bi·ath·lon
bī-ˈath-lən 
-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
At the 2022 Winter Games, Masters stole the show with one of the most impressive performances for any Paralympian or Olympian in history, winning seven medals across that year’s cross-country skiing and biathlon events.
—
Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Nickel highlights Ariens Nordic Center, which since its 2023 opening has drawn Olympic and World Cup hopefuls from as far away as New York, Utah and Alaska year-round to train for biathlons.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 29 Dec. 2025
Cortina will also host para alpine skiing and para snowboarding, while sled hockey will be showcased in Milan and Val di Fiemme will be the stage for the para biathlon and para Nordic skiing events.
—Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2025
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.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for biathlon
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.
Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Nickel highlights Ariens Nordic Center, which since its 2023 opening has drawn Olympic and World Cup hopefuls from as far away as New York, Utah and Alaska year-round to train for biathlons.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 29 Dec. 2025
Cortina will also host para alpine skiing and para snowboarding, while sled hockey will be showcased in Milan and Val di Fiemme will be the stage for the para biathlon and para Nordic skiing events.
—Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2025
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.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 30 July 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 22 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
