javelin

noun

jav·e·lin | \ ˈjav-lən, ˈja-və-

Definition of javelin

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

2a : 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 Example Sentences Learn More about javelin

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Synonyms for javelin

Synonyms

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 In his Auburn debut, Nils Fisher set a school record in the javelin throw with a mark of 73.69m/241-9 to win the event. — Giana Han, al, "Weekly Auburn roundup: Soccer avenges November loss to Alabama," 29 Mar. 2021 Joshua Johnson, a three-time Bruin all-America javelin thrower, is managing director at a commercial real estate firm. — Los Angeles Times, "Appreciation: Appreciating Rafer Johnson as more than a great athlete, but a great man," 2 Dec. 2020 Zaharias won gold medals in both the hurdles and the javelin, and a silver medal for the high jump, but only after she was adjudged to have used an improper technique in a jump-off after tying with fellow American Jean Shiley. — Ben Morse, CNN, "The 'greatest all-sport athlete' who helped revolutionize women's golf," 8 Sep. 2020 Abovitz studied biomedical engineering, drew cartoons and threw javelin at the University of Miami. — Fortune, "Magic Leap tried to create an alternate reality. Its founder was already in one," 26 Sep. 2020 Women, however, were unable to enter more than three events, so Zaharias participated in the javelin, high jump and 80m hurdles. — Ben Morse, CNN, "The 'greatest all-sport athlete' who helped revolutionize women's golf," 8 Sep. 2020 Didrikson began her Games by taking gold in the javelin. — Joe Reedy, Star Tribune, "Los Angeles' first Olympics set template for future Games," 30 July 2020 Winger, 34, the former Purdue javelin thrower from Vancouver, Wash., tore the anterior cruciate ligament of her left knee in a meet Aug. 1 at Ruthdrum, Idaho. — David Woods, The Indianapolis Star, "Olympics notes: Sloan joins gymnastics hall; Purdue's Winger injured," 11 Aug. 2020 Zatopek is the same man who, in England, while waiting for the 1948 London Olympics to start, courted his wife, then Dana Ingrova, by playing catch with her with a javelin. — Milt Marmor, Star Tribune, "AP WAS THERE: 1952 Helsinki Games," 2 Aug. 2020

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