The heptathlon is an athletics competition for women in which each athlete competes in seven different events.
heptathlon in British English
(hɛpˈtæθlɒn)
noun
an athletic contest for women in which each athlete competes in seven different events
Derived forms
heptathlete (hepˈtathlete)
noun
Word origin
C20: from hepta- + Greek athlon contest
heptathlon in American English
(hɛpˈtæθlɑn; hɛpˈtæθlən)
noun
an athletic contest for women in which each contestant takes part in seven events (100-meter hurdles, shot put, high jump, 200-meter dash, long jump, javelin throw, and 800-meter run)
Word origin
hepta- + decathlon
Examples of 'heptathlon' in a sentence
heptathlon
The 2012 Olympic heptathlon champion announced her retirement from athletics last week.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Ennis is the world heptathlon champion and already a household name.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
That could mean competing in a heptathlon competition free of Russian rivals.
The Sun (2015)
That was another all-time record in the heptathlon.
The Sun (2012)
It also shows how hard things are going to be for anyone with an eye on heptathlon gold in London.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
She won Britain's first heptathlon gold medal at the world championships.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The Olympic heptathlon gold medal-winner returns to action next month for the first time in nearly two years.