Illustration of atlatl
- A atlatl
atlatl
noun
at·latl
ˈät-ˌlä-tᵊl 
: a device for throwing a spear or dart that consists of a rod or board with a projection (such as a hook) at the rear end to hold the weapon in place until released
Examples of atlatl in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Although throws made with the atlatl are faster, the javelin has more kinetic energy because of its higher mass.
—
Ars Technica, 2 Jan. 2025
Jennifer Ouellette Jennifer Ouellette Eren demonstrates proper form when throwing a spear with an atlatl.
—Ars Technica, 2 Jan. 2025
At this year’s gathering, participants were taught how to use the atlatl, a spear-throwing hunting tool that predates the bow and arrow.
—Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2024
To celebrate, the active paleontological dig site and museum is hosting Mammoth Days on June 21 and 22, complete with kids’ bouncy houses, a barbecue and food trucks, and even an atlatl (a type of spear-throwing device) competition.
—Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2024
The atlatl measured a little more than a foot and a half long, and the darts were between about 2 feet to 2 and a half feet long.
—Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 25 Jan. 2024
Among their finds, archaeologists identified an atlatl, which is a spear-like dart thrower, and two wooden darts.
—Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 25 Jan. 2024
Like the atlatl, mastering the sling took practice and technique, but when spun and released with expertise, a sling could hurl a small rock a distance of several hundred yards at speeds estimated to be anywhere from 60 to 100 miles per hour and with bone-crushing force.
—Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2023
The tiny experimental points were used as arrowheads and shot by bow or atlatl, and the resulting fractures were compared with the scars found on the archeological material.
—Laure Metz, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2023
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Ars Technica, 2 Jan. 2025
Jennifer Ouellette Jennifer Ouellette Eren demonstrates proper form when throwing a spear with an atlatl.
—Ars Technica, 2 Jan. 2025
At this year’s gathering, participants were taught how to use the atlatl, a spear-throwing hunting tool that predates the bow and arrow.
—Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2024
To celebrate, the active paleontological dig site and museum is hosting Mammoth Days on June 21 and 22, complete with kids’ bouncy houses, a barbecue and food trucks, and even an atlatl (a type of spear-throwing device) competition.
—Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2024
The atlatl measured a little more than a foot and a half long, and the darts were between about 2 feet to 2 and a half feet long.
—Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 25 Jan. 2024
Among their finds, archaeologists identified an atlatl, which is a spear-like dart thrower, and two wooden darts.
—Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 25 Jan. 2024
Like the atlatl, mastering the sling took practice and technique, but when spun and released with expertise, a sling could hurl a small rock a distance of several hundred yards at speeds estimated to be anywhere from 60 to 100 miles per hour and with bone-crushing force.
—Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2023
The tiny experimental points were used as arrowheads and shot by bow or atlatl, and the resulting fractures were compared with the scars found on the archeological material.
—Laure Metz, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2023
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Cite this Entry
“Atlatl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atlatl. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
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