javelin

IPA/ˈdʒævlɪn/
KK[dʒˈævələn]IPA/ˈdʒævlɪn/

javelin — noun

  • javelinsingular
  • javelinsplural

1. a long, thin object made of metal or other material, with a sharp point at one e

1.nounB1
Definition

a long, thin object made of metal or other material, with a sharp point at one end, which athletes throw as far as they can during track-and-field competitions

Example

Diego picked up his javelin and walked to the starting line at the stadium.

The coach showed Yuki how to hold the javelin correctly for a better throw.

hold + javelin (preparation grip)

Common collocations
  • throw a javelin
  • hold a javelin
  • javelin thrower
Synonyms
  • spear

    a broader term for any pointed throwing or thrusting weapon; 'javelin' refers specifically to the modern sports implement

2. a track-and-field event in which athletes take turns throwing a javelin as far a

2.nounB1
Definition

a track-and-field event in which athletes take turns throwing a javelin as far as they can, with the farthest throw winning

Example

Amara won a gold medal in the javelin at the national championships last summer.

win + gold medal + in the javelin

Rosa has been training for the javelin every morning since she joined the athletics club.

training for the javelin

Common collocations
  • win the javelin
  • compete in the javelin
  • javelin event
  • javelin final

Usage Note

Used with 'the' when referring to the event itself: 'she competes in the javelin.' Used without an article when describing the sport as an area of activity: 'she does javelin.'

Common Mistakes

She threw a javelin in the javelin competition.
She threw the javelin in the javelin competition.
use 'the' when referring to a specific implement in the event.

Word family

  • javelin thrower
    nounB1
  • javelin throwing
    nounB1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three words describe long, pointed weapons, but they differ in use and context. A 'javelin' is a light spear designed specifically for throwing — in modern usage it refers almost exclusively to the sports implement used in track and field. A 'spear' is a broader term for any long pole with a sharp tip, used for thrusting or throwing in hunting or combat across many cultures and time periods. A 'lance' is a heavy spear used by mounted soldiers or knights, typically couched under the arm during a cavalry charge rather than thrown. For example, an Olympic athlete throws a javelin; a hunter carries a spear for wild pigs; and a medieval knight rides with a lance at a tournament. 'Javelin' is the only one that refers to a modern competitive sport.

javelin ↗spear ↗lance ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • javelin throw
  • javelin thrower
  • javelin event
  • personal best in the javelin

Etymology

CelticLatinFrenchEnglish

Javelin came into English from French (javeline), and traces further back to a Celtic root that meant 'a sharp-pointed stick or spear.' The word has been used for lightweight throwing spears since medieval times, and its modern meaning settled around the sport of competitive throwing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.