biathlon

American  

[bahy-ath-lon] / baɪˈæθ lɒn /

noun

1. a contest in which cross-country skiers, carrying rifles, shoot at targets at four stops along a 12.5-mile (20 km) course.

2. an athletic contest comprising any two consecutive events.

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biathlon British  

/ -lɒn, baɪˈæθlən /

noun

1. sport a contest in which skiers with rifles shoot at four targets along a 20-kilometre (12.5-mile) cross-country course

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Usage

What is the biathlon? A biathlon is a sporting event that combines cross-country skiing with target shooting. Biathlons are held on cross-country skiing courses with multiple target stops placed throughout the course. Participants compete to finish the course in the shortest time. There are different types of biathlons, including sprints, relays, individual events, and team biathlons. Depending on the rules and the type of competition, missing a shot may add time to the competitor’s overall time or require them to take a lap before shooting again. Many events require the competitors to shoot from two different positions: from the ground (in a prone position) and standing. The size of the targets varies. The biathlon is an event in the Winter Olympics and the Paralympic Winter Games. The word biathlon can also be used to refer to any athletic competition that involves two consecutive events, but this use is less common. A participant in a biathlon can be called a biathlete. Example: The biathlon is a unique event requiring stamina and concentration.

Etymology

Origin of biathlon

1955–60; bi- ¹ + Greek âthlon contest; modeled on decathlon

Explanation

If you're crazy about cross-country skiing and a whiz at target shooting, the biathlon might be the perfect sport for you. It's a ski race in which participants pause to take shots with a rifle. The biathlon is a modern version of an 18th-century Norwegian military exercise. It was included in the Olympics during the 1920s and became a permanent part of the Winter Games in 1955. During each round of competition, athletes fire at five targets; for every one they miss, they have to ski a longer distance. Sometimes this word is used more generally to describe any sporting contest with two events. Biathlon comes from bi-, "two," and the Greek athlon, "contest."

Example Sentences

Milan's Santagiulia Arena will be the setting for the para ice hockey, while para biathlon and para cross-country skiing events will take place in Val di Fiemme.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

Passler said in the statement: "The last few days have been very difficult. I always believed in my good faith. Now I can finally concentrate 100 percent on biathlon."

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

Bakken was found dead on 23 December in a hotel room in northern Italy, about two hours from where the biathlon was held.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

The German biathlon team posted a video on social media showing the exact moment disaster struck for Justus Strelow.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

The 28-year-old, who won his first individual Olympic medal in the 20km individual biathlon at Milan-Cortina, admitted he had an affair three months ago and called it "my biggest mistake".

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026