Meaning & use

javelin

noun·Academic

A light spear thrown for distance in athletic competitions, or historically used as a weapon.

See it in a sentence

The athlete's javelin soared nearly ninety meters, setting a new national record.

Ancient soldiers often carried a javelin to throw at enemies before close combat.

A note on using this word

Javelin most commonly refers today to the track-and-field throwing event rather than its historical use as a weapon.

Words with a similar meaning

spear

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