heptathlon

Definition

An athletic contest comprising seven events; contested mostly by women, for whom this is an Olympic sport.

Etymology

From hepta- + -athlon.

Example Sentences

• "[Carolina Kluft] has won her last 19 heptathlons. Only the legendary Jackie Joyner-Kersee has scored higher."
• "For now, Gray and her peers are able to compete for Olympic berths only in the seven-event heptathlon, while the decathlon is restricted to men."