Definition

1. Noun:
   • A combined athletic contest consisting of ten different track and field events: The "decathlon" is a major test of all-around athletic ability, where competitors earn points for their performance in each event, and the athlete with the highest total points wins.

Usage

• The "decathlon" is a specific, singular competition. It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., , ).
• It refers to the entire contest, not to an individual event within it. The ten events are fixed and occur over two consecutive days.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Winning an Olympic gold medal in the decathlon is considered one of the greatest achievements in sports.
  • He trained for years to compete in his first decathlon.
  • The decathlon requires proficiency in running, jumping, and throwing events.

Advanced Usage

• "to compete in the decathlon": to participate as an athlete in this specific ten-event contest.
  • Only the most versatile athletes can successfully compete in the decathlon.
• "decathlon champion" or "decathlon gold medalist": the athlete who wins the decathlon competition.
  • She became the national decathlon champion.

Variants and Related Words

• Decathlete (n): An athlete who competes in the decathlon.
  • The decathlete must maintain energy and focus over two grueling days.
• Heptathlon (n): A women's combined athletic contest consisting of seven different events. (This is a related but distinct concept).

Synonyms

• Multi-event competition: A general term for athletic contests comprising several different events.
• All-around competition: A contest testing versatility across various disciplines. (Note: "Decathlon" is the specific term for the ten-event version).

Related Phrases

• "The ultimate test": A common phrase used to describe the decathlon due to its demanding and comprehensive nature.
  • The decathlon is often called the ultimate test of an athlete's ability.

Noun

1. an athletic contest consisting of ten different events