# javelin

/ˈdʒævəɫən/ (US) · /dʒˈævɪlˌɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/javelin
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. sport equipment

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. historical weapon

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to throw or pierce

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The athlete holds the javelin tightly before the throw.
- During the track and field competition, the javelin was thrown over fifty meters into the field.
- The athlete's technique involves a complex sequence of movements to maximize the distance of the javelin while maintaining control over the weapon's trajectory.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.