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Definition of javelin
javelin
/ˈdʒæv.ə.lɪn/
jav · e · lin
Plural:javelins
javelin Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
8
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
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Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A light spear designed primarily to be thrown, historically used as a ranged weapon in warfare and hunting, but now predominantly used in athletic competitions.
Example
"The athlete gripped the shaft of the javelin and focused on the runway before executing her final throw of the championship."
2
A track and field athletic event in which competitors aim to throw a specialized light spear as far as possible.
Example
"He won the gold medal in the javelin at the national university games."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for javelin• Rhymes for javelin
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Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'javelin', derived from Middle French 'javeline', which itself traces back to a Celtic root related to the Old Irish 'gabul' meaning a fork or branched stick.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Javelin. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/javelin