marathon
2 synonyms for marathon, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A long-distance foot race of just over 26 miles (42.195 km).
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
long haul
endurance test
How to use marathon
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
run a marathon
marathon session
marathon training
Etymology
Named after the Battle of Marathon in ancient Greece; legend holds that a messenger ran from Marathon to Athens to announce the Greek victory, and the modern race commemorates that run.
Full origin of marathon →Frequently asked questions
What does “marathon” mean?
The word “marathon” means a long-distance foot race of just over 26 miles (42.195 km). In plain terms, the 26-mile race, or by extension anything drawn-out and grueling.
How do you pronounce “marathon”?
“Marathon” is pronounced MA-ruh-thuhn (/ˈmæɹəˌθɑn/ in IPA).
How do you use “marathon” in a sentence?
Here is “marathon” used in a sentence: “She trained for months before running her first marathon.”
What part of speech is “marathon”?
Depending on how it is used, “marathon” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “marathon” come from?
The word “marathon” comes from Greek. Named after the Battle of Marathon in ancient Greece; legend holds that a messenger ran from Marathon to Athens to announce the Greek victory, and the modern race commemorates that run.
Is “marathon” a common word?
“Marathon” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “marathon” have?
“Marathon” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long-distance foot race of just over 26 miles (42.195 km).
What is the difference between a marathon and a sprint?
A marathon is a long-distance foot race of just over 26 miles (42.195 km), demanding endurance over a long period. A sprint is a short, fast run that emphasizes speed rather than stamina.
How long is a marathon?
A marathon is a long-distance foot race of just over 26 miles, or 42.195 kilometers. It is one of the longest standard distances in competitive road racing.
What is the difference between a marathon and a half marathon?
A full marathon covers just over 26 miles (42.195 km), while a half marathon is half that distance, about 13.1 miles (21.1 km). Both are standard road-racing events, but the half is far shorter.
