noun

pentathlon

pen-TATH-lun/penˈtæθlən/

An athletic contest consisting of five events.

Each athlete competes in five events during the pentathlon.

An ancient Greek pentathlon represented by five distinct small action vignettes on white, no boxes or labels: running, long jump with hand weights, discus throw, javelin throw, wrestling pair.

Etymology

“Five” and “contest” name a competition combining five exercises for the same competitors, not a contest between five people. The deeper origin of Greek athlon is uncertain.

In context

NCAA Championships0:00

well busy day for these athletes in the pentathlon five events total

Women’s pentathlon - 2025 NCAA indoor track and field championships

More examples

She trains for the pentathlon six days a week.
His combined score earns him first place in the pentathlon.
The club hosts two pentathlons each year.

Forms

pentathlon · pentathlons

pentathlete noun — An athlete who competes in pentathlons.

Similar words

contest: A broader term, without a fixed number of events.
competition: Can describe athletic or nonathletic rivalry, regardless of event count.