Javelin vs. Spear: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Purpose
Designed for throwing in sports.
Designed for hunting and warfare.
Weight & Design
Lighter, more aerodynamic.
Heavier, sturdier for combat.
Historical Usage
Used by light infantry in ancient times.
Main weapon for various ancient cultures
Combat Utility
Not ideal for hand-to-hand combat.
Effective for both ranged and close combat.
Modern Association
Associated with track and field events.
Evokes images of ancient warfare or hunting.
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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.
Spear
A primitive tool for hunting large game.
Ancient hunters used a spear to take down mammoths.
Javelin
An ancient light spear used primarily for throwing.
Roman soldiers often carried a javelin into battle.
Spear
A shafted weapon with a sharp pointed end.
Fishing with a spear requires great skill and patience.
Javelin
An athletic equipment used in track and field events.
He trained for years to master the javelin throw.
Spear
An emblem of power in many cultures.
The chieftain held his spear high, signaling the start of the ceremony.
Javelin
A light spear thrown with the hand and used as a weapon.
Spear
A weapon consisting of a long shaft with a sharply pointed end.
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.
Spear
A shaft with a sharp point and barbs for spearing fish.
Javelin
The athletic field event in which a javelin is thrown.
Spear
A soldier armed with a spear.
Javelin
A light spear thrown with the hand and used as a weapon.
Spear
A slender stalk, as of asparagus.
Javelin
A metal-tipped spear thrown for distance in an athletic field event.
Spear
To pierce with a spear or other sharp object.
Javelin
(transitive) To pierce with a javelin.
Spear
To catch with a thrust of the arm
Spear a grounder.
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?
Spear
(Football) To block (an opponent) by ramming with the helmet, in violation of the rules.
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.
Spear
(Sports) To jab (an opponent) with the blade of a hockey stick, in violation of the rules.
Javelin
To pierce with a javelin.
Spear
To stab at something with a spear or other sharp object.
Javelin
An athletic competition in which a javelin is thrown as far as possible
Spear
To sprout like a spear.
Javelin
A spear thrown as a weapon or in competitive field events
Spear
A long stick with a sharp tip used as a weapon for throwing or thrusting, or anything used to make a thrusting motion.
Javelin
A lightweight throwing spear used in athletics.
She set a record in the school's javelin throw event.
Spear
A soldier armed with such a weapon; a spearman.
Javelin
A missile weapon that's thrown by hand.
With a swift motion, she hurled the javelin across the field.
Spear
A lance with barbed prongs, used by fishermen to retrieve fish.
Spear
(ice hockey) An illegal maneuver using the end of a hockey stick to strike into another hockey player.
Spear
(wrestling) In professional wrestling, a running tackle in which the wrestler's shoulder is driven into the opponent's midsection.
Spear
A shoot, as of grass; a spire.
Spear
The feather of a horse.
Spear
The rod to which the bucket, or plunger, of a pump is attached; a pump rod.
Spear
A long, thin strip from a vegetable.
Asparagus and broccoli spears
Spear
(botany) The sprout of a plant, stalk
Spear
(obsolete) A church spire.
Spear
(transitive) To pierce with a spear.
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.
Spear
(gridiron football) To tackle an opponent by ramming into them with one's helmet.
Spear
(intransitive) To shoot into a long stem, as some plants do.
Spear
To ignore as a social snub.
Spear
Male.
A spear counterpart
Spear
Pertaining to male family members.
The spear side of the family
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.
Spear
Fig.: A spearman.
Spear
A sharp-pointed instrument with barbs, used for stabbing fish and other animals.
Spear
A shoot, as of grass; a spire.
Spear
The rod to which the bucket, or plunger, of a pump is attached; a pump rod.
Spear
To pierce with a spear; to kill with a spear; as, to spear a fish.
Spear
To shoot into a long stem, as some plants. See Spire.
Spear
A long pointed rod used as a weapon
Spear
An implement with a shaft and barbed point used for catching fish
Spear
Pierce with a spear;
Spear fish
Spear
Thrust up like a spear;
The branch speared up into the air
Spear
A long pole weapon used for thrusting and sometimes throwing.
He brandished his spear in defense of his village.
Spear
A weapon associated with ancient infantry and cavalry.
The Greek phalanx was renowned for its use of the spear.
FAQs
Is a javelin a type of spear?
Yes, a javelin is a type of light spear designed primarily for throwing.
Were spears used in ancient Olympic games?
The ancient Olympics had a javelin throw, not a spear event.
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.
Which is longer, a javelin or a spear?
Length can vary for both, but generally, spears used for combat are longer than athletic javelins.
Can a spear be used for fishing?
Yes, spearfishing is a method where fish are pierced by a spear.
Is the javelin heavier than the spear?
Typically, a javelin is lighter and more aerodynamic, while a spear is heavier and sturdier.
Can you use a javelin for hunting?
Historically, javelins were used for warfare and sometimes hunting, but modern javelins are designed primarily for sport.
Was the javelin ever used in combat?
Yes, historically, the javelin was used in warfare by light infantry.
How do athletes train for the javelin throw?
Athletes train with specific techniques to enhance their strength, technique, and aerodynamics for the javelin throw.
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.
Why don't modern armies use spears?
Modern warfare has evolved, making firearms and other weapons more effective than spears.
Do any cultures still use spears traditionally?
Yes, some indigenous cultures still use spears for hunting, ceremonies, and defense.
Is spear-throwing an Olympic sport?
No, but javelin throwing is an Olympic track and field event.
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.
What materials are modern javelins made of?
Modern javelins are typically made of metal, fiberglass, or carbon fiber.
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.
How have spears influenced modern weaponry?
The basic design of the spear, a long
Were spears only used as weapons?
No, while primarily weapons, spears also had ceremonial, symbolic, and hunting purposes.
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.
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.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
