javelin

noun

jav·​e·​lin
ˈjav-lən,
ˈja-və- How to pronounce javelin (audio)
1
: a light spear thrown as a weapon of war or in hunting
2
a
: 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

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 Yamamoto stands out from the crowd for his unique routine as well – starting with throwing a javelin to build arm strength. Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register, 11 Feb. 2024 Maria had told us how the cove would have filled with the canoes of the next tribe over, the warriors tattooed head to toe and carrying javelins. Peter Heller, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2024 It likely would have been thrown like a modern day javelin. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 July 2023 The flagpole bearing the Stars and Stripes sticks out of the ground at a precipitous angle, like a javelin that made a bad landing. Jesse Green, New York Times, 28 June 2023 Coaches have praised his early bullpen sessions and marveled at his behind-the-scenes routine —- which on Saturday included a warmup drill in which Yamamoto threw his personal javelin around on an open field outside the Dodgers’ clubhouse building. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2024 His cricket-playing days behind him, he’s recently launched a podcast and started competing in javelin and shot put at local track and field events. George Ramsay, CNN, 9 Feb. 2024 The meet, which begins at 10:50 a.m. Saturday with the women’s javelin and concludes Sunday at Hayward Field in Eugene, is the Diamond League final. Ken Goe For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 15 Sep. 2023 Initially, a shafted weapon similar to a javelin known as a Roman pilum was discovered squeezed in the rocks' cracks, along with pieces of wood that were part of the swords' scabbards, or sheaths. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'javelin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English chafeveleyn, from Middle French javeline, alteration of javelot, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish gabul forked stick

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of javelin was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near javelin

Cite this Entry

“Javelin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/javelin. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

javelin

noun
jav·​e·​lin ˈjav-(ə-)lən How to pronounce javelin (audio)
1
: a light spear
2
: a slender usually metal shaft that is thrown for distance in a track-and-field event

More from Merriam-Webster on javelin

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