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Definition of "decathlon" [de•cath•lon]

  • An athletic contest usually limited to men in which each contestant participates in the following ten track and field events: the 100-meter, 400-meter, and 1,500-meter runs; the 110-meter high hurdles; the discus and javelin throws; the shot put; the pole vault; the high jump; and the long jump. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "decathlon" in a sentence
  • "But, after all, the solar decathlon is not only about getting energy from the sun, it is also about finding ways to conserve and reduce the energy required by the residence."
  • "Teams compete in 10 areas (that's why it's called a decathlon): Architecture, Market Appeal, Engineering, Communications, Affordability, Comfort Zone, Hot Water, Appliances, Home Entertainment, Energy Balance (Go to DOE's awesome competition page to learn more)."
  • "ÂTeams compete in 10 areas (that's why it's called a decathlon): Architecture, Market Appeal, Engineering, Communications, Affordability, Comfort Zone, Hot Water, Appliances, Home Entertainment, Energy Balance (Go to DOE's awesome competition page to learn more)."