pen.ˈtathlən, -thˌlän noun
( -s )
Etymology: Greek pentathlon, pentaethlon, from penta- + athlon, aethlon prize, contest — more at athlete
1. : an ancient Greek athletic contest in which each contestant participates in five different events (as leaping, foot racing, wrestling, throwing the discus, and throwing the spear)
2. : an athletic contest involving participation by each contestant in five different events (as formerly in the Olympic games a running broad jump, a javelin throw, a 200-meter flat race, a discus throw, and a 1500-meter flat race)
3. : a contest in the modern Olympic games involving participation by each contestant in horseback riding, shooting, fencing, swimming, and running — see modern pentathlon