Javelin vs. Spear: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 4, 2023
Javelin is a light spear designed primarily for throwing, while a spear is a pole weapon used for both throwing and thrusting.
Key Differences
A javelin is specifically designed as an athletic tool for sport and competition, often utilized in track and field events. The spear, on the other hand, has been historically employed as a weapon for hunting or warfare.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
In terms of design, the javelin is often lighter and more aerodynamic, meant to be thrown over long distances with precision. A spear typically has a broader, heavier head and can be more robust, as it needs to penetrate and injure or kill an opponent or prey.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Historically, the javelin was also used in warfare, especially by light infantry. These soldiers would hurl their javelins at the enemy before drawing another weapon. A spear, in the hands of infantry or cavalry, was often used to thrust at opponents in direct combat.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Javelins might not be as effective in direct hand-to-hand combat due to their lighter design. In contrast, spears have been primary weapons in many cultures, useful in both ranged and close combat.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Today, when people refer to a javelin, they are most likely talking about the sports equipment. When they mention a spear, it may evoke images of ancient warriors or primitive hunting tools.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Purpose
Designed for throwing in sports.
Designed for hunting and warfare.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Historical Usage
Used by light infantry in ancient times.
Main weapon for various ancient cultures
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Oct 04, 2023
Combat Utility
Not ideal for hand-to-hand combat.
Effective for both ranged and close combat.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Modern Association
Associated with track and field events.
Evokes images of ancient warfare or hunting.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
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Javelin and Spear Definitions
Javelin
A slender, aerodynamic tool made for distance.
The design of the javelin ensures it travels far when thrown correctly.
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Oct 04, 2023
Spear
A primitive tool for hunting large game.
Ancient hunters used a spear to take down mammoths.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Javelin
An ancient light spear used primarily for throwing.
Roman soldiers often carried a javelin into battle.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Spear
A shafted weapon with a sharp pointed end.
Fishing with a spear requires great skill and patience.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Javelin
An athletic equipment used in track and field events.
He trained for years to master the javelin throw.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
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Spear
An emblem of power in many cultures.
The chieftain held his spear high, signaling the start of the ceremony.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 25, 2022
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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Nov 25, 2022
Spear
(Football) To block (an opponent) by ramming with the helmet, in violation of the rules.
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Nov 25, 2022
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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Nov 25, 2022
Spear
(Sports) To jab (an opponent) with the blade of a hockey stick, in violation of the rules.
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Nov 25, 2022
Javelin
An athletic competition in which a javelin is thrown as far as possible
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Nov 25, 2022
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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Nov 25, 2022
Javelin
A lightweight throwing spear used in athletics.
She set a record in the school's javelin throw event.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Javelin
A missile weapon that's thrown by hand.
With a swift motion, she hurled the javelin across the field.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Spear
(ice hockey) An illegal maneuver using the end of a hockey stick to strike into another hockey player.
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Nov 25, 2022
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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Nov 25, 2022
Spear
The rod to which the bucket, or plunger, of a pump is attached; a pump rod.
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Nov 25, 2022
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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Nov 25, 2022
Spear
(gridiron football) To tackle an opponent by ramming into them with one's helmet.
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Nov 25, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 25, 2022
Spear
A sharp-pointed instrument with barbs, used for stabbing fish and other animals.
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Nov 25, 2022
Spear
The rod to which the bucket, or plunger, of a pump is attached; a pump rod.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 25, 2022
Spear
A long pole weapon used for thrusting and sometimes throwing.
He brandished his spear in defense of his village.
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Oct 04, 2023
Spear
A weapon associated with ancient infantry and cavalry.
The Greek phalanx was renowned for its use of the spear.
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Oct 04, 2023
FAQs
Is a javelin a type of spear?
Yes, a javelin is a type of light spear designed primarily for throwing.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Were spears used in ancient Olympic games?
The ancient Olympics had a javelin throw, not a spear event.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Which is more effective in hand-to-hand combat, a javelin or a spear?
A spear, due to its sturdier design, is more effective in hand-to-hand combat.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Which is longer, a javelin or a spear?
Length can vary for both, but generally, spears used for combat are longer than athletic javelins.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Can a spear be used for fishing?
Yes, spearfishing is a method where fish are pierced by a spear.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Is the javelin heavier than the spear?
Typically, a javelin is lighter and more aerodynamic, while a spear is heavier and sturdier.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can you use a javelin for hunting?
Historically, javelins were used for warfare and sometimes hunting, but modern javelins are designed primarily for sport.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Was the javelin ever used in combat?
Yes, historically, the javelin was used in warfare by light infantry.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
How do athletes train for the javelin throw?
Athletes train with specific techniques to enhance their strength, technique, and aerodynamics for the javelin throw.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Can you throw a spear as you do a javelin?
While both can be thrown, javelins are specifically designed for distance throwing, whereas spears can be both thrown and used for thrusting.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Why don't modern armies use spears?
Modern warfare has evolved, making firearms and other weapons more effective than spears.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Do any cultures still use spears traditionally?
Yes, some indigenous cultures still use spears for hunting, ceremonies, and defense.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Is spear-throwing an Olympic sport?
No, but javelin throwing is an Olympic track and field event.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Which has a longer history, the javelin or the spear?
Both have ancient origins, but the spear, as a basic pointed tool or weapon, likely predates the javelin.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
What materials are modern javelins made of?
Modern javelins are typically made of metal, fiberglass, or carbon fiber.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Are there any safety concerns with javelin throwing in sports?
Yes, javelin throws require clear ranges and safety precautions to prevent injuries to bystanders or other athletes.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
How have spears influenced modern weaponry?
The basic design of the spear, a long
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Were spears only used as weapons?
No, while primarily weapons, spears also had ceremonial, symbolic, and hunting purposes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Why is the spear significant in history?
The spear is one of the oldest weapons and has been used in various cultures for warfare, hunting, and ceremonies.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
How do javelins and spears differ in their point designs?
Javelins have a more streamlined point for aerodynamics, while spears may have broader, varied points for combat and hunting.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
