Definition of pentathlon
: an athletic contest involving participation by each contestant in five different events; especially : modern pentathlon
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Examples of pentathlon in a Sentence
the winner of the Olympic pentathlon
Recent Examples of pentathlon from the Web
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Think of it as the cycling equivalent of the pentathlon, with six races of 200 meters to 14 kilometers for men.
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Did You Know?
The Greek word athlos means "contest or trial", so to be an athlete you had to compete in physical contests. The ancient Greek pentathlon tested warriors' skills in sprinting, long jumping, javelin throwing, discus throwing, and wrestling, none of which are part of today's Olympic pentathlon. But a pentathlete must still have muscles and reflexes suited to almost any kind of physical feat.
Origin and Etymology of pentathlon
Greek, from penta- + athlon contest
PENTATHLON Defined for English Language Learners
pentathlon
playDefinition of pentathlon for English Language Learners
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: a sports contest for men that consists of five different events
PENTATHLON Defined for Kids
pentathlon
playDefinition of pentathlon for Students
: an athletic contest in which each person participates in five different events
Learn More about pentathlon
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See words that rhyme with pentathlon Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pentathlon
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