decathlon

noun

de·cath·lon | \ di-ˈkath-lən

, -ˌlän, -ˈka-thə-\

Definition of decathlon

: a 10-event athletic contest specifically : a composite contest that consists of the 100-meter, 400-meter, and 1500-meter runs, the 110-meter high hurdles, the javelin and discus throws, shot put, pole vault, high jump, and long jump

Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about decathlon

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Did You Know?

Decathlon from deca- and athlon, "contest", means "ten contests". The ancient Greek Olympics held five-contest competitions, or pentathlons, that were based on the skills needed in battle. The modern Olympic decathlon, which was born in 1912, consists of the 100-meter run, 400-meter run, 1500-meter run, 110-meter high hurdles, javelin throw, discus throw, shot put, pole vault, high jump, and long jump. The original winner was the legendary Jim Thorpe, who would later be judged the greatest American athlete of the 20th century. And ever since, the Olympic decathlon winner has been called the finest all-around athlete in the world.

Examples of decathlon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Willamette's Keaton Beckmann places second in the Portland Twilight decathlon, moves into the top 20 on this year's Division III list. — Ken Goe, OregonLive.com, "Oregon men, USC women favored heading into the Pac-12s: Oregon track & field rundown," 12 May 2018 Willamette's Keaton Beckmann grabs the first-day lead of the Portland Twilight decathlon. — OregonLive.com, "Report suggests Hayward's east grandstand isn't in terrible shape: Oregon track & field rundown," 11 May 2018 As a young man, Stefan Schauffele was invited to train for the decathlon with the German team. — Doug Ferguson, The Seattle Times, "Xander the Great: Schauffele joins golf’s rising generation," 7 Jan. 2019 Going at the decathlon with all my efforts should bring better results. — Terry Monahan, Pomerado News, "RB’s Josh Farmer looks ahead to college career," 7 June 2018 He is now ranked No. 1 in Great Britain in the decathlon and third all-time. — Richard Obert, azcentral, "Former Arcadia athlete Tim Duckworth wins NCAA decathlon championship," 8 June 2018 In a step toward common sense, there will be a women's open decathlon championship this summer, with Pole Vault Power's Becca Gillespy Peter putting up prize money. — Ken Goe, OregonLive.com, "On NCAA meet projections, a women's decathlon and Hayward: Oregon track & field rundown," 29 May 2018 First non-decathlon event on the track will be a preliminary heat of the men's 4x100 relay at 4:32 p.m. The meet concludes Saturday. — Ken Goe, OregonLive.com, "NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships end a six-year run at Hayward Field: Quick facts," 5 June 2018 Playing against the University of Pittsburgh in 1911, the future Olympic gold medalist in both the decathlon and pentathlon blasted a long arching punt from near his own goal line. — WSJ, "Five Best: Gordon Marino," 22 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decathlon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.