gladiator

noun

glad·​i·​a·​tor ˈgla-dē-ˌā-tər How to pronounce gladiator (audio)
1
: a person engaged in a fight to the death as public entertainment for ancient Romans
2
: a person engaging in a public fight or controversy
3
: a trained fighter
especially : a professional boxer
gladiatorial adjective

Examples of gladiator in a Sentence

the two punch-drunk gladiators stumbled to their corners
Recent Examples on the Web Supporters and critics alike compare it to the gladiator games of ancient Rome. Toby Muse, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2024 The gladiator sequence is also distinct from any other in Dune: Part Two. EW.com, 20 Feb. 2024 The teen wore a two piece set featuring a strapless crop top and skirt combo teamed with gladiator strappy heels. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024 The collection also includes a pair of seashell sunglasses, and gladiator sandals with heels, which tie up your leg. Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Clarence teams up with Elijah, his friend Dirty Zeke (Caleb McLaughlin) and the gladiator Barabbas (Omar Sy) to spread their word across the region. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Jan. 2024 Elizabeth Debicki, who won best female actor in a supporting role for her portrayal of Princess Diana in The Crown, was giving gladiator queen vibes in a gown that looked like chainmail. Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 8 Jan. 2024 Contrasting the original gladiator sandals that walked the runway, the actor opted for a pair of black open-toed platforms with an ankle strap. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2024 Leith of Grey thought coming to this new land and volunteering to fight in the gladiator arena—vicious, bloodthirsty tournaments where only the strongest survive—would earn him enough gold to save his dying sister. Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 15 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gladiator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from gladius sword, of Celtic origin; akin to Welsh cleddyf sword

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gladiator was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near gladiator

Cite this Entry

“Gladiator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gladiator. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

gladiator

noun
glad·​i·​a·​tor ˈglad-ē-ˌāt-ər How to pronounce gladiator (audio)
1
: a person engaged in a fight to the death for public entertainment in ancient Rome
2
: a person engaging in a fierce fight or controversy
gladiatorial adjective
Etymology

from Latin gladiator, literally, "swordsman," from gladius "sword" — related to gladiolus

More from Merriam-Webster on gladiator

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