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View synonyms for javelin

javelin

[ jav-lin, jav-uh- ]

noun

  1. a light spear, usually thrown by hand.
  2. Track.
    1. a spearlike shaft about 8½ feet (2.7 meters) long and usually made of wood, used in throwing for distance.
    2. Also called javelin throw. a competitive field event in which the javelin is thrown for distance.


verb (used with object)

  1. to strike or pierce with or as if with a javelin.

javelin

/ ˈdʒævlɪn /

noun

  1. a long pointed spear thrown as a weapon or in competitive field events
  2. the javelin
    the javelin the event or sport of throwing the javelin


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Word History and Origins

Origin of javelin1

1505–15; < Middle French javeline, by suffix alteration from javelot, Anglo-French gavelot, gaveloc, probably < Old English gafeluc, *gafeloc British Celtic *gablākos presumably, a spear with a forklike head; compare MIr gablach forked branch, javelin, MWelsh gaflach (apparently < OIr), derivative of Old Irish gabul fork, forked branch, cognate with Old Breton gabl, Welsh gafl

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Word History and Origins

Origin of javelin1

C16: from Old French javeline, variant of javelot, of Celtic origin

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Example Sentences

Like his predecessors, his background was as a javelin thrower.

But Javelin Strategy estimates that in 2012, credit-card-fraud losses were approximately $10 billion.

Without the javelin in his hand he walked through the entire delivery for us in slow motion, describing it as he did so.

Jeremy Hunt has introduced a new sport to the Games, to go with the discus, shot put, javelin.

Murder boards work if they prepare you for all the javelin-like questions.

He tells me he has often seen him throw a javelin there, and strike a small mark at a surprising distance.

From the age of five to twenty-four years they are taught to use the bow, to throw the javelin, to ride, and to speak the truth.

Lightning gathered in a vast javelin and flamed down upon them.

A stone is slung and a javelin cast, though both fall short.

Ninyas hesitated; and once more his hand stole towards the javelin by the wall.

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Java Trenchjavelina