heptathlon

American  

[hep-tath-luhn, ‑lon] / hɛpˈtæθ lən, ‑lɒn /

noun

1. an athletic contest for women comprising seven different track-and-field events and won by the contestant amassing the highest total score.

---

heptathlon British  

/ hɛpˈtæθlɒn /

noun

1. an athletic contest for women in which each athlete competes in seven different events

---

Other Word Forms

• heptathlete
  noun

Etymology

Origin of heptathlon

First recorded in 1985–90; hept- ( def. ) + (dec)athlon

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

heptathlon

Ireland's Kate O'Connor moved into pole position for heptathlon gold with one event remaining at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, where Great Britain's Katarina Johnson-Thompson is out of medal contention.

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026

The heptathlon continues later with the shot put and 200m events completing the first day of competition, before the long jump, javelin and 800m take place on Saturday.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

She will begin the second heptathlon session on Friday evening in 10th position, after climbing up the standings with a clearance over 1.83 metres in the high jump.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

Kate O'Connor has won Northern Ireland's first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in the heptathlon at Scotstoun Stadium.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

She won multiple gold medals from the Olympics and world championships in the heptathlon and long jump while also setting world records.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 27, 2026