noun

javelin

JAV-lihn

Javelin (noun) means a light spear designed to be thrown by hand, used historically as a weapon. Example: “The ancient warriors carried javelins into battle.”

noun

A light spear designed to be thrown by hand, used historically as a weapon.

"The ancient warriors carried javelins into battle."

"A javelin whistled past the shield wall."

A metal-tipped spear thrown for distance in a track and field event.

"She set a new personal best in the javelin."

"The javelin sailed nearly ninety metres."

verb

To hurl something through the air the way a javelin is thrown, or to pierce something with one.

"He javelined the stick across the yard."

How to use javelin

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA long throwing spear, or the athletics event built around throwing one.

Common pairings

throw a javelin javelin throw javelin thrower

Word forms

javelined past tense, javelinned past tense, javelins plural, javelins singular

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Etymology

Traced back through Old French javelot to a Gaulish word for a fork or forked branch — the same distant root gave us "gaffle."

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for javelin

Zeppelin Michelin

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Frequently asked questions

What does “javelin” mean?

The word “javelin” means a light spear designed to be thrown by hand, used historically as a weapon. In plain terms, a long throwing spear, or the athletics event built around throwing one.

How do you pronounce “javelin”?

“Javelin” is pronounced JAV-lihn (/ˈd͡ʒæv.(ə.)lɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “javelin” in a sentence?

Here is “javelin” used in a sentence: “The ancient warriors carried javelins into battle.”

What part of speech is “javelin”?

Depending on how it is used, “javelin” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “javelin” come from?

The word “javelin” comes from Old French. Traced back through Old French javelot to a Gaulish word for a fork or forked branch — the same distant root gave us "gaffle.".

How many meanings does “javelin” have?

“Javelin” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a light spear designed to be thrown by hand, used historically as a weapon.