modern pentathlon

American  

noun

1. an athletic contest comprising five different events, a 300-meter freestyle swim, a 4,000-meter cross-country run, a 5,000-meter equestrian steeplechase, épée fencing, and pistol target-shooting at 25 meters, the winner being the contestant with the highest total score.

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modern pentathlon British  

noun

1. an athletic contest consisting of five different events: horse riding with jumps, fencing with electric épée, freestyle swimming, pistol shooting, and cross-country running

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Etymology

Origin of modern pentathlon

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

The final of the modern pentathlon starts with the showjumping at 10:00 BST on Sunday.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2024

Great Britain's defending Olympic champion Kate French has withdrawn from the modern pentathlon final in Paris because of illness.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2024

Same with modern pentathlon, where Jessica Savner of the U.S. muses about finding “better ways to market and show our sport.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2024

As the Paris Games approach, the palace — which will host equestrian and modern pentathlon events during the July 26 – Aug. 11 — is starting to buzz with excitement.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2024

The International Olympic Committee last month approved cricket, baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse and squash for 2028 and kept boxing, modern pentathlon and weightlifting - three sports whose status had been in doubt.

From Washington Times • Nov. 13, 2023