javelin

[ jav-lin, jav-uh- ]

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.

verb (used with object)

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

javelin

/ ˈdʒævlɪn /

noun

1. a long pointed spear thrown as a weapon or in competitive field events
2. the javelin
   the event or sport of throwing the javelin

Word History and Origins

Origin of javelin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of javelin¹

C16: from Old French javeline, variant of javelot, of Celtic origin

Example Sentences

In May this year, the duo announced that they were reforming and have since released a new single, Javelin.

From BBC

The 260,000-square-foot warehouse sat just a javelin’s toss away from the fields where the Parkrose High Broncos practiced football, baseball, and soccer.

From Salon

According to Javelin Strategy and Research, approximately 1.7 million children fell victim to data breaches in 2022.

From Salon

“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

A crossover star “changes everything,” said Justin Phongsavanh, a U.S. javelin thrower.

From Los Angeles Times