javelin

American  

[jav-lin, jav-uh-] / ˈdʒæv lɪn, ˈdʒæv ə- /

noun

1. a light spear, usually thrown by hand.

2. Track.

   1. a spearlike shaft about 8½ feet (2.7 meters) long and usually made of wood, used in throwing for distance.

   2. Also called javelin throw.  a competitive field event in which the javelin is thrown for distance.

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verb (used with object)

1. to strike or pierce with or as if with a javelin.

javelin British  

/ ˈdʒævlɪn /

noun

1. a long pointed spear thrown as a weapon or in competitive field events

2. the event or sport of throwing the javelin

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Usage

What does javelin mean? A javelin is the pointed, spearlike pole used in the track-and-field event known as javelin or the javelin throw—in which athletes compete to throw it as far as they can.The javelin event is one of the “field” events in track and field, which also include other events in which objects are thrown as far as possible, namely discus and shot put. All three are events in the summer Olympic Games (the Summer Games) and are also events in the modern decathlon.The word javelin also refers to the ancient throwing spear on which the javelin used in the athletic event is based.Its original military use is referenced in the name of an U.S. military missile system known as Javelin.Example: I’m training for the javelin and shot put with my track-and-field team.

Etymology

Origin of javelin

1505–15; < Middle French javeline, by suffix alteration from javelot, Anglo-French gavelot, gaveloc, probably < Old English gafeluc, *gafeloc ≪ British Celtic *gablākos presumably, a spear with a forklike head; compare MIr gablach forked branch, javelin, MWelsh gaflach (apparently < OIr), derivative of Old Irish gabul fork, forked branch, cognate with Old Breton gabl, Welsh gafl

Example Sentences

Yamamoto picked up his javelins and carried them back to the clubhouse.

From Los Angeles Times

Brits was a world champion javelin thrower in her youth before a road accident curtailed that career.

From BBC

The United Arab Emirates thrower had been set to compete in the F34 shot put, discus and javelin events.

From BBC

“She’s able to throw the ball far and makes good decisions,” said Baker, who is also on the track and field team, specializing in triple jump, hurdles and javelin.

From Los Angeles Times

The world champion began the day with a 48-point lead but knew it would be tough with Thiam's best event - the javelin - yet to come in Paris.

From BBC