javelin Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an athletic competition in which a javelin is thrown as far as possible
  2. noun a spear thrown as a weapon or in competitive field events

WordNet

Jave"lin noun
Etymology
F. javeline; akin to Sp. jabalina, It. giavelina, and F. javelot, OF. gavlot. Cf. Gavelock.
Definitions
  1. A sort of light spear, to be thrown or cast by thew hand; anciently, a weapon of war used by horsemen and foot soldiers; now used chiefly in hunting the wild boar and other fierce game.
    Flies the javelin swifter to its mark, Launched by the vigor of a Roman arm? Addison.
Jave"lin transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To pierce with a javelin. R. Tennyson.

Webster 1913