English Reference

Word

javelin

US/ˈdʒævəɫən/

UK/dʒˈævɪlˌɪn/

Definitions

01sport equipment

B2 · Sport

n. a long, light spear with a metal tip that athletes throw as far as they can in a competition.

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

“The athlete ran fast before throwing the javelin across the field.”

“The Olympic record for the javelin has stood for years because the design of the spear was changed to ensure it landed safely within the stadium.”

Synonyms

02historical weapon

C1

n. a light spear used in the past as a weapon for throwing at enemies.

n. a light spear used historically as a projectile weapon.

“Ancient soldiers often carried a javelin to throw at the start of a battle.”

“Roman legionaries were trained to hurl the javelin with enough force to pierce an opponent's shield from a significant distance.”

Literary

Synonyms

03to throw or pierce

C2

v. to throw something like a spear, or to hit something with a spear.

v. to pierce with or throw in the manner of a javelin. Transitive — takes a direct object.

“The hunter tried to javelin the fish as it swam near the surface.”

“The rain began to javelin down against the roof, striking the metal tiles with a sharp, rhythmic intensity.”

Literary

Synonyms

spearhurlimpale

Etymology

From Middle English chafeveleyn, gavelong, from Old French javelline, diminutive of javelot, diminutive of javel, from Vulgar Latin gabalus, from Gaulish gabulum (compare Old Irish gabul (“fork”), Welsh gafl), from Proto-Celtic gablā (“fork, forked branch”), from Proto-Indo-European gʰeh₁bʰ-. The Old French term was also borrowed into Middle Low German as gaveline, and into Middle High German as gabilot. Cognate with gavelock, gaffle.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

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English Reference