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Definition of marathon

marathon

/ˈmær.ə.θɑːn/
mar · a · thon
Plural:marathons
•
Adjective:marathon
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marathon Lexical Profile

marathon Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A long-distance running race, strictly measuring 26 miles 385 yards (42.195 kilometers).

Example

"She trained for six months to run her first marathon in Boston."

2

A long-lasting, difficult, or exhausting task or activity requiring great endurance.

Example

"The treaty negotiations turned into a marathon, lasting well past midnight."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for marathon
Antonyms
View all antonyms for marathon

• Nearby Words

maranon
maranta
maraschino
marathon
marathoner
maraud
marauder

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the legend of the Greek messenger Pheidippides, who is said to have run from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens in 490 BC to announce the Greek victory over Persia before collapsing and dying. The place name 'Marathon' comes from Ancient Greek 'marathon', meaning 'a field of fennel'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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