Javelin vs. Spear: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A javelin is a lightweight, throwing weapon designed for distance, while a spear is a versatile weapon used for thrusting, throwing, or stabbing.
Key Differences
The javelin is specifically designed for throwing, optimized for aerodynamics and distance, whereas a spear is a more versatile weapon, used for both throwing and close combat.
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Javelins are typically lighter and more balanced for throwing, with a center of gravity near the middle to aid in flight, while spears are heavier and designed for stability in thrusting or stabbing.
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The javelin has a notable history in sports, especially in ancient Olympics and modern track and field, while spears have been widely used in various cultures for hunting and warfare.
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Javelins are generally shorter and slimmer than spears, enabling ease of throw, whereas spears are often longer and sturdier, designed for impact and versatility in use.
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The tip of a javelin is usually a pointed metal head, designed for piercing upon landing, while the spearhead can be broader and more varied in shape, suited for different combat and hunting purposes.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Throwing for distance in sport and combat
Throwing, thrusting, stabbing in combat and hunting
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Weight and Balance
Lighter, balanced for flight
Heavier, balanced for thrust
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Historical Significance
Ancient and modern sport
Widespread use in warfare and hunting
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Tip Design
Pointed metal head for piercing
Varied shapes for multiple purposes
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Javelin and Spear Definitions
Javelin
A track and field event involving the throwing of a light, pointed missile.
She won the gold medal in the javelin throw.
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Spear
In historical combat, a versatile weapon for both distance and close-range fighting.
Spears were a common sight on medieval battlefields.
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Javelin
A light spear designed primarily for throwing in athletic and combat contexts.
The athlete excelled in throwing the javelin.
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Javelin
A slender spear used in sports and ancient combat.
Training with the javelin requires skill and precision.
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Javelin
In historical warfare, a thrown weapon for targeting enemies at a distance.
Soldiers in ancient armies often carried javelins.
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Javelin
A projectile weapon with a sharp point and a balanced shaft.
The warrior's javelin flew straight towards its target.
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Javelin
A metal or metal-tipped spear thrown for distance in track and field competitions. The men's javelin is about 2.6 meters (8 1/2 feet) in length; the women's is about 2.2 meters (7 1/4 feet) in length.
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Spear
(Football) To block (an opponent) by ramming with the helmet, in violation of the rules.
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Spear
(Sports) To jab (an opponent) with the blade of a hockey stick, in violation of the rules.
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Javelin
A metal-tipped spear thrown for distance in an athletic field event.
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Javelin
A sort of light spear, to be thrown or cast by the hand; anciently, a weapon of war used by horsemen and foot soldiers; now used chiefly in hunting the wild boar and other fierce game.
Flies the javelin swifter to its mark,Launched by the vigor of a Roman arm?
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Spear
A long stick with a sharp tip used as a weapon for throwing or thrusting, or anything used to make a thrusting motion.
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Javelin
A wooden shaft resembling a spear, thrown by contestants in a contest called the javelin throw; the one throwing the javelin furthest wins the contest. The javelin throw is one of the field events of the modern Olympic Games.
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Javelin
An athletic competition in which a javelin is thrown as far as possible
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Spear
(ice hockey) An illegal maneuver using the end of a hockey stick to strike into another hockey player.
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Spear
(wrestling) In professional wrestling, a running tackle in which the wrestler's shoulder is driven into the opponent's midsection.
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Spear
The rod to which the bucket, or plunger, of a pump is attached; a pump rod.
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Spear
To penetrate or strike with, or as if with, any long narrow object; to make a thrusting motion that catches an object on the tip of a long device.
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Spear
(gridiron football) To tackle an opponent by ramming into them with one's helmet.
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Spear
A long, pointed weapon, used in war and hunting, by thrusting or throwing; a weapon with a long shaft and a sharp head or blade; a lance.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.
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Spear
A sharp-pointed instrument with barbs, used for stabbing fish and other animals.
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Spear
The rod to which the bucket, or plunger, of a pump is attached; a pump rod.
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Spear
A long pole weapon with a sharp tip, used for thrusting or throwing.
The hunter used a spear to catch fish.
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Spear
A tool in hunting, used for attacking larger prey.
Ancient humans relied on spears for hunting big game.
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Spear
A symbol of power and authority in some cultures.
The tribal leader carried a decorative spear as a symbol of his status.
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Spear
A weapon that can be equipped with various types of heads for different uses.
He attached a broadhead to his spear for the hunt.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a javelin be used for hunting?
While traditionally a weapon of war and sport, javelins can technically be used for hunting.
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Were spears used in ancient warfare?
Yes, spears were widely used in ancient warfare for their versatility and effectiveness.
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What is a javelin?
A javelin is a light, throwing spear used in sports and historically in combat.
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Is javelin throwing an Olympic sport?
Yes, javelin throw is a track and field event in the Olympics.
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What is a spear?
A spear is a long weapon with a pointed tip, used for thrusting, stabbing, and sometimes throwing.
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Can spears be thrown as well as thrust?
Yes, some types of spears are designed to be thrown, while others are better suited for thrusting.
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How far can a javelin be thrown?
Skilled athletes can throw a javelin over 90 meters.
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What materials are spears made from?
Historically, spears were made from wood and metal or stone for the tip, and today they are often made from modern materials like steel and fiberglass.
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How do you throw a javelin?
Throwing a javelin involves a run-up, a grip on the javelin's center of gravity, and a release at an optimal angle.
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Are spears effective in modern combat?
While not common in modern warfare, spears can still be effective in certain combat situations.
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Is javelin throwing dangerous?
Javelin throwing can be dangerous without proper technique and safety measures.
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Were spears only used as weapons?
No, spears were also used for hunting and in some cultures as ceremonial or symbolic items.
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How has javelin design evolved?
Javelin design has evolved from simple wooden shafts to aerodynamic shapes with metal tips for better flight stability.
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Are there different types of spears?
Yes, there are many types of spears, including throwing spears, thrusting spears, and spears with specialized heads for different purposes.
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Do modern javelins have a standard size?
Yes, in competitive sports, javelins have regulated lengths and weights.
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Is strength the most important aspect of javelin throwing?
While strength is important, technique, balance, and coordination are also crucial for effective javelin throwing.
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Has javelin throwing been part of all modern Olympics?
Javelin throwing has been an Olympic event since 1908 for men and since 1932 for women.
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Were spears used by all ancient civilizations?
Yes, spears were one of the most universally used weapons across ancient civilizations.
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What are the rules of javelin throw in athletics?
The rules include specifications for javelin size, throwing technique, and a marked landing sector.
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Did different cultures have unique spear designs?
Yes, spear designs varied widely across cultures, reflecting different uses and technological advancements.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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