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

• spear
• lance

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

Those athletes are the two most recent Olympic javelin champions, the first men to do so from Asian countries. —Liam Tharme, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

The senior placed first at the Div. 1 championship in both javelin and discus. —Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 6 July 2025

Tristan Dion, javelin, Pine Crest junior: Beat out friend and senior teammate Sean Nagle’s school record in the javelin by throwing 47.88 meters at the 2A state meet and finished 10th; also played tennis and football for the Panthers. —Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025

With her final attempt in the women’s javelin finals Thursday, Barrios Bornacelli fired off a throw of 203 feet, 5 inches, winning the event — and the national championship. —Jacob Louraine, Kansas City Star, 13 June 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