The decathlon is a competition in which athletes compete in 10 different sporting events.
decathlon in British English
(dɪˈkæθlɒn)
noun
an athletic contest for men in which each athlete competes in ten different events
Compare heptathlon
Derived forms
decathlete (deˈcathlete)
noun
Word origin
C20: from deca- + Greek athlon contest, prize; see athlete
decathlon in American English
(dɪˈkæθˌlɑn; dɪˈkæθlən)
noun
an athletic contest in which each contestant takes part in ten events (100-meter dash, 400-meter dash, long jump, 16-pound shot-put, high jump, 110-meter hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1500-meter run): the winner is the contestant receiving the highest total of points
Word origin
deca- + Gr athlon, a prize
Word lists with
decathlon
athletics, Other sports
In other languages
decathlon
British English: decathlon NOUN
The decathlon is a competition in which athletes compete in 10 different sporting events.