noun
javelin
JAV-lin/ˈdʒævlɪn/
A light spear thrown in sport or as a weapon.
The athlete grips the javelin and runs toward the throwing line.
Etymology
Old French javeline was a diminutive of a word for “spear.” The name for a hand-thrown weapon survives in the spear thrown in athletics.
In context
As far as a man can throw a javelin when competing for some prize, or even in battle— so far did the Trojans now retreat before the Achaeans.
More examples
- Her javelin lands beyond the fifty-meter mark.
- The warrior hurled a javelin at the approaching enemy.
- The coach stores the javelins in a locked equipment room.
Forms
javelin · javelins