modern pentathlon

noun

: a composite contest in which all contestants compete in a 300-meter freestyle swim, a 4000-meter cross-country run, a 5000-meter 30-jump equestrian steeplechase, épée fencing, and target shooting at 25 meters

Examples of modern pentathlon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tokyo Broadcasting System, which created the Sasuke/Ninja Warrior format, licensed some of its intellectual property (including the design of some obstacles) to the governing body of modern pentathlon for the Olympics. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026

Senior competed in modern pentathlon through the Army’s World Class Athlete Program. — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Squash will be at Universal Studios, while BMX racing, modern pentathlon and skateboarding will be held at the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 9 July 2026

One of the oldest in the crowd was Tom Lough, a West Point graduate who competed in modern pentathlon at the 1968 Games in Mexico City. — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1912, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for modern pentathlon

• triathlon