A long, light spear that is thrown by hand, especially in the sport of track and field. In the past, similar weapons were used in hunting and war.
From Middle French “javeline,” a diminutive of “javelot,” meaning “spear” or “dart,” possibly from a Celtic source. English adopted it for the thrown spear itself and later for the athletic event. The modern sport preserves the basic idea of throwing a light spear for distance.
The javelin throw is basically a carefully measured version of what hunters and warriors once did to survive. Modern rules about angles, run-ups, and landing zones are all about turning a weapon into a safe sport. The word carries that ancient purpose right into the Olympic stadium.
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