javelin

noun

jav·​e·​lin

ˈjav-lən,

ˈja-və- 

1

: a light spear thrown as a weapon of war or in hunting

2

a

: a slender usually metal shaft at least 260 centimeters long that is thrown for distance in an athletic field event

b

or javelin throw : an athletic field event in which a javelin is thrown for distance

won the gold medal in the javelin

… Serene Ross, who set her second American record in three weeks in the javelin throw in winning at 197 feet.

—Frank Litsky

Synonyms

• lance
• pike
• pikestaff
• shaft
• spear

Examples of javelin in a Sentence

from atop his horse the warrior hurled a javelin that pierced the chest of his hapless foe

Recent Examples on the Web

The decathlon will be contested Wednesday, June 11 (100, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400), and Thursday, June 12 (110 hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, 1,500). —Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 10 June 2025

Flagpole through the chest (Final Destination 3) Perry Malinowski (Maggie Ma) is impaled by a flagpole that whizzes through the air, javelin style. —Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 16 May 2025

Schwartz sets state javelin record in Class 2A girls meet North Broward senior Alexa Schwartz set a new personal best and crushed the state javelin record in the Class 2A state meet on Friday. —Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025

Delap had been a javelin thrower in his youth, becoming local champion for his athletics club in Carlisle. —Nick Miller, New York Times, 22 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English chafeveleyn, from Middle French javeline, alteration of javelot, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish gabul forked stick

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing javelin

• the javelin

Kids Definition

javelin

noun

jav·​e·​lin ˈjav-(ə-)lən 

1

: a light spear

2

: a slender usually metal shaft that is thrown for distance in a track-and-field event