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

Example Sentences

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Kenya’s most identifiable community is abandoning hunting lions with spears for javelin throwing at a biannual event called the Maasai Olympics. —Evelyne Musambi, ajc, 12 Dec. 2022

Rounding out the girls’ champs were Crescent Valley’s Emily Wisniewski (3,000), Ridgeview’s Zowie Nunes (javelin) and Crater’s Clara Bennett (high jump). —oregonlive, 20 May 2022

But the television show pressed on, oblivious or perhaps obstinate to the commotion a javelin throw away. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2021

Only one other American was won a Diamond League javelin, and Winger has done so twice – at the Prefontaine Classic, Eugene, Ore., July 3, 2010, and Friday, also 12 years apart. —David Woods, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Sep. 2022

Scott Young, a doting grandfather of four young kids, just returned from the World Police & Fire Games in the Netherlands with three gold medals in his age group — for discus, shot put and javelin throwing. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Aug. 2022

The long jump and javelin start in the morning, and the last event is the 800 meters at 6:55 p.m. —oregonlive, 18 July 2022

Online, the image evolved into a meme and the rifle was replaced by a javelin. —Leila Barghouty, Washington Post, 18 Sep. 2022

Saturday’s javelin final concludes the non-decathlon throwing events for Oregon22. —oregonlive, 23 July 2022

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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

• javelin throw
• the javelin

• javelin throw
• 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