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Definition of decathlon

decathlon

/dɪˈkæθ.lɑːn/
de · cath · lon
Plural:decathlons
•
Adjective:decathletic
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decathlon Lexical Profile

decathlon Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An athletic competition consisting of ten distinct track and field events held over two consecutive days, in which competitors are awarded points for their performance in each discipline.

Example

"Training for the Olympic decathlon requires an extraordinary balance of speed, strength, and endurance across ten different events."

• Rhymes for decathlon

• Nearby Words

decarbonization
decarbonize
decathlete
decathlon
decay
decease
deceased

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century for the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games, combining the Ancient Greek elements 'deka' (ten) and 'athlon' (contest), modeled directly on the ancient Greek 'pentathlon'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Decathlon. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/decathlon
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