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
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At the biathlon, German Justus Strelow lost his bronze while celebrating with teammates.
—
John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Ukaleq Slettemark Last year, several biathlon races in Norway were cancelled due to warm temperatures and lack of snow.
—Ukaleq Slettemark, Time, 11 Feb. 2026
The Norwegian biathlon athlete went viral Tuesday for winning a bronze medal and then tearfully admitting to cheating on his girlfriend in his post-win interview.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Norwegian Olympian Sturla Holm Lægreid won a bronze medal for the 20-kilometer biathlon at the 2026 Winter Games.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
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John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Ukaleq Slettemark Last year, several biathlon races in Norway were cancelled due to warm temperatures and lack of snow.
—Ukaleq Slettemark, Time, 11 Feb. 2026
The Norwegian biathlon athlete went viral Tuesday for winning a bronze medal and then tearfully admitting to cheating on his girlfriend in his post-win interview.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Norwegian Olympian Sturla Holm Lægreid won a bronze medal for the 20-kilometer biathlon at the 2026 Winter Games.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for biathlon
Cite this Entry
“Biathlon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biathlon. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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