pole-vaulting

An athlete clears the bar during a pole-vaulting competition.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Track and field event: "pole-vaulting" is an athletic event in which a competitor uses a long, flexible pole to jump over a high bar. The athlete runs, plants the pole in a box, and uses the pole's spring to propel themselves upward and over the bar.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Pole-vaulting requires great strength, speed, and technique. (The athletic event demands physical prowess.)
  • She won a gold medal in pole-vaulting at the Olympics. (She achieved victory in the pole-vaulting competition.)

Advanced Usage

• "to clear the bar": to successfully jump over the bar in pole-vaulting.

  • He cleared the bar at 6 meters, setting a new record. (He successfully jumped over the bar at that height.)

• "to miss the vault": to fail in an attempt at pole-vaulting.

  • She missed the vault on her first attempt. (She failed to complete the jump.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pole-vaulter (n): an athlete who performs pole-vaulting.

  • The pole-vaulter trained daily to improve his form. (The athlete who competes in pole-vaulting.)

• Pole vault (n): the event or the act of vaulting with a pole; also the equipment (the pole itself).

  • The pole vault is one of the most exciting events in track and field. (The event itself.)

Synonyms

• Vaulting: the act of jumping over something using hands or a pole.
• Jumping with a pole: a descriptive phrase for the activity.

Related Idioms

• "To pole-vault over a problem": to overcome an obstacle with cleverness or skill.
  • He pole-vaulted over the bureaucratic hurdles and got the project approved. (He skillfully bypassed difficulties.)