First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
javelin
noun jav·e·lin \ˈjav-lən, ˈja-və-\
: a long spear that people throw as far as they can as a sport
the javelin : an event in which people compete by trying to throw a javelin farther than everyone else
Full Definition of JAVELIN
1
: a light spear thrown as a weapon of war or in hunting
2
: a slender usually metal shaft at least 260 centimeters long that is thrown for distance in a field event
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Origin of JAVELIN
Middle English chafeveleyn, from Middle French javeline, alteration of javelot, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish gabul forked stick
JAVELIN Defined for Kids
javelin
noun jav·e·lin \ˈjav-lən, ˈja-və-lən\
Definition of JAVELIN for Kids
1
: a light spear
2
: a slender rod thrown for distance in a track-and-field contest (javelin throw)
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