Definition

A sports competition where athletes compete in ten different track and field events, including running, jumping, and throwing.

Example

He trained for months to prepare for the decathlon at the national championships.

Conversation

Did you see the highlights from the decathlon last weekend?

Yeah, it was so exciting to watch!

I can't believe how fast they run and how high they jump in that decathlon.

Right? It really showcases their all-around athletic skills.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Decathlon → It is formed from "deca-" (from Greek "deka", meaning ten) and "athlon" (from Greek "athlon", meaning contest or prize). The word "decathlon" refers to a contest consisting of ten different athletic events.

Memory Tip

Think of 'ten' ('deca-') events in a 'contest' ('athlon') — that's what a decathlon is, a competition with ten events.

Visually Confused Words