spear-thrower

noun

spear-throw·​er ˈspir-ˌthrō-ər How to pronounce spear-thrower (audio)
: atlatl

Examples of spear-thrower in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Over the last 11,500 years or so, the stone has been fashioned into deadly knives, razor-sharp spear points, darts for atlatls, or spear-throwers, and arrowheads. — Jim Robbins, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2023 She had been wrapped in more than 20 layers of textiles and offerings, including ceremonial spear-throwers, two large ceremonial clubs, gold crowns and nose ornaments, as well as various other items. — George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spear-thrower was in 1871

Rhymes for spear-thrower

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Browse Nearby Words

spear thistle
spear-thrower
spearwood
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Cite this Entry

“Spear-thrower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spear-thrower. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spear-thrower

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spear-thrower

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