What does javelin mean?
A javelin is a long, pointed implement thrown by hand in athletic competition, especially as the javelin throw. The word also denotes the lighter spears used in ancient and medieval warfare, so it can carry associations with hunting, combat, and disciplined physical skill. In a sports context, the javelin combines the spear’s traditional shape with modern equipment designed for distance and accuracy. Competitors launch it from a runway, and a valid throw must meet rules concerning the implement, the angle of release, and where it first lands. As a verb, “to javelin” means to throw or strike with a javelin, although this use now sounds literary or archaic. The word is useful because it bridges an ancient weapon and a familiar modern sport, while remaining distinct from the shorter and more versatile dart.
A long, pointed implement thrown by hand in athletics, or a spear used historically in combat.
"He won a bronze medal in the javelin at the championships."
In British and American English, the athletic implement is commonly called a javelin, and the event is usually called the javelin or javelin throw.
To throw a javelin or to strike someone with one.
"The trained soldier javelined the target from the far end of the field."
This verb is uncommon in contemporary English and generally has a historical or literary tone.
The regular plural adds -s. The singular form is also used attributively, as in “javelin throw.”
"Several javelins were recovered from the archaeological site."
Once a warrior’s spear, the javelin became one of athletics’ most recognizable field-event weapons.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does javelin come from?
English borrowed the word from Old French, where javelot was a diminutive of javel, meaning “spear”; the modern form was influenced by French javeline. These French words came through medieval Latin javellus, whose deeper origin is uncertain. Related old forms such as javel and javelot continued to appear in English for a time.
Related word forms
How javelin is actually used
The noun is standard in sport and historical writing. The verb is much less common and often has a literary or archaic flavor; in modern athletics, people normally say “throw a javelin” rather than “javelin it.”