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pentathlon

noun
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pen·​tath·​lon | \ pen-ˈtath-lən How to pronounce pentathlon (audio) , -ˌlän, nonstandard -ˈta-thə- \

Definition of pentathlon

: an athletic contest involving participation by each contestant in five different events especially : modern pentathlon
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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.

Examples of pentathlon in a Sentence

the winner of the Olympic pentathlon
Recent Examples on the Web Aryssa Sinclair, 13, made strides competing in the pentathlon while Mariah Samarco, 9, improved in the 800 and 1500 meter run. — Alex Kushel, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Boynton track club trio blitz to top efforts at national meet," 7 July 2018 Right fielder Jim Thorpe, the 1912 Olympic decathlon and pentathlon champion, stepped to the plate. — Mark Schmetzer, Cincinnati.com, "Top games in Cincinnati Reds history: No. 38 – A pitcher's duel for the ages in 1917," 12 June 2019 There, Meiler took home an impressive seven medals in the 80-85 age division, including five golds (pole vault, pentathlon, high jump, hurdles, and the 4x200-meter relay) and two silvers (triple jump and long jump). — Jenny Mccoy, SELF, "Meet Flo Filion Meiler, the 84-Year-Old Track and Field Athlete With Over 775 Medals," 26 Apr. 2019 Playing against the University of Pittsburgh in 1911, the future Olympic gold medalist in both the decathlon and pentathlon blasted a long arching punt from near his own goal line. — WSJ, "Five Best: Gordon Marino," 22 June 2018 Henry, who won the 2018 Sun Belt Conference Outdoor high jump championship, set four school records (indoor high jump, indoor pentathlon, outdoor high jump, outdoor heptathlon) during the 2018 indoor and outdoor seasons. — William Wilkerson, star-telegram, "Meet Alexus Henry, the first woman to ever win a national title at UTA," 11 June 2018 Bougard successfully defends her USATF indoor pentathlon title. — Ken Goe, OregonLive.com, "Ex-Oregon star Devon Allen has record-setting plans: Oregon track & field rundown," 17 Feb. 2018 She’s set college records at Cornell for heptathlon and pentathlon, which stand to this day. — Lilian Min, Cosmopolitan, "12 Things to Know About Aja Evans and Jamie Poser, Team USA's Fierce Bobsledding Competitors," 22 Jan. 2018 Right fielder Jim Thorpe, the 1912 Olympic decathlon and pentathlon champion, stepped to the plate. — Mark Schmetzer, Cincinnati.com, "Top games in Cincinnati Reds history: No. 38 – A pitcher's duel for the ages in 1917," 12 June 2019

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

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First Known Use of pentathlon

1603, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pentathlon

Greek, from penta- + athlon contest

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Time Traveler for pentathlon

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The first known use of pentathlon was in 1603

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Cite this Entry

“Pentathlon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pentathlon. Accessed 5 Jun. 2020.

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More Definitions for pentathlon

pentathlon

noun
How to pronounce pentathlon (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of pentathlon

: a sports contest for men that consists of five different events

See the full definition for pentathlon in the English Language Learners Dictionary

pentathlon

noun
pen·​tath·​lon | \ pen-ˈtath-lən How to pronounce pentathlon (audio) , -ˌlän \

Kids Definition of pentathlon

: an athletic contest in which each person participates in five different events

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More from Merriam-Webster on pentathlon

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pentathlon

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with pentathlon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pentathlon

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