javelin

ˈjav-lən
Definition of javelinnext
as in spear
a weapon with a long straight handle and sharp head or blade from atop his horse the warrior hurled a javelin that pierced the chest of his hapless foe

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of javelin Humans have been throwing javelins for a few hundred thousand years, yet performance has largely plateaued. R. Alexander Bentley, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026 The facility has 194 parking spaces and can seat more than 2,500 (1,908 seats in the grandstand, 508 in the berm overlooking the long throws area for javelin, hammer and discus and 200 seats by shot put). Sarah Spencer, AJC.com, 19 Feb. 2026 Let me be run through with the wooden javelin of truth. Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026 The Tofinu took refuge in the lagoons along the Bight of Benin, a core area of the slave trade, venturing forth in canoes with harpoons, javelins, and swords to fight off raiders from powerful nearby kingdoms. Laurent Dubois, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for javelin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for javelin
Noun
  • Like the tip of a spear thrusting from the London skyline, The Shard has become an appealing landmark for filmmakers over the years.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 3 June 2026
  • Crossed spears of sunlight fall into it but only so far, and beneath their yellow illuminations Brith can see depths and more depths of water, darkening to obscurity.
    Maggie O’Farrell, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Benjamin began Wednesday’s quarterfinals at Constitution Hall by correctly spelling vamplate, a round plate of iron mounted on the shaft of a lance or tilting spear to protect the hand.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
  • Other perennial species are starting to become more widely available at specialty nurseries including lance leaf blanket flower, Gaillardia aestivalis, which is native to the southeastern United States.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Javelin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/javelin. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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