Javelin

Pronunciation

• enPR: jăv'lÉ™n, IPA: /ˈdʒævlÉ™n/
• Rhymes: -ævlÉ™n

Origin

Middle English, from Old French javelline, diminutive of javelot, from *gablakko- (Old Irish gabul, Welsh gafl). The Old French term was also borrowed into Middle Low German as gaveline, and into Middle High German as gabilot.

Full definition of javelin

Noun

1. A light spear thrown with the hand and used as a weapon.
• AddisonFlies the javelin swifter to its mark,
  Launched by the vigour of a Roman arm?
2. A metal-tipped spear thrown for distance in an athletic field event.

Derived terms

• javelineer
• javelinier

Verb

1. (transitive) To pierce with a javelin.