Spartan

[spahr-tn]

adjective

1. Also Spartanic of or relating to Sparta or its people.

2. (usually lowercase),  suggestive of the ancient Spartans; sternly disciplined and rigorously simple, frugal, or austere.

3. (usually lowercase),  brave; undaunted.

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Sparta.

2. a person of Spartan characteristics.

Spartan

/ ˈspɑːtən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Sparta or its citizens

2. (sometimes not capital) very strict or austere

   a Spartan upbringing

3. (sometimes not capital) possessing courage and resolve

noun

1. a citizen of Sparta

2. (sometimes not capital) a disciplined or brave person

3. a Canadian variety of eating apple

Other Word Forms

• Spartanism noun
• Spartanly adverb
• Spartanically adverb
• non-Spartan adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Spartan¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin Spartānus, equivalent to Spart ( a ) Sparta (< Doric Greek Spártā ) + -ānus -an

Synonym Study

See austere.

Example Sentences

While beating Michigan State on Saturday at Spartan Stadium wouldn’t generate the same recognition that came with the previously winless Bruins’ recent victory over then-No.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

His second score of the night would put the Spartans away for good.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Spartans arrived in L.A. on Thursday to give them plenty of time to acclimate.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Jones also ranks second on the Spartans’ career leaderboard in receiving yards with 3,087.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He thinks the Spartans are coming into Tuesday’s game feeling good about themselves.

Read more on Los Angeles Times