gladiator

[glad-ee-ey-ter]

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) a person, often a slave or captive, who was armed with a sword or other weapon and compelled to fight to the death in a public arena against another person or a wild animal, for the entertainment of the spectators.

2. a person who engages in a fight or controversy.

3. a prizefighter.

gladiator

/ ˈɡlædɪˌeɪtə /

noun

1. (in ancient Rome and Etruria) a man trained to fight in arenas to provide entertainment

2. a person who supports and fights publicly for a cause

Word History and Origins

Origin of gladiator¹

1535–45; < Latin gladiātor, equivalent to gladi ( us ) sword + -ātor -ator

Word History and Origins

Origin of gladiator¹

C16: from Latin: swordsman, from gladius sword

Example Sentences

I loved singing the end title to “Troy,” and nobody would think this guy needs to sing about gladiators.

From Los Angeles Times

She launches into how she likes to style her brown snakeskin Chloé Silverado bag — with “one of those skirts that you can cinch and pull up a bit” and “gladiator sandals.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Those are our gladiators who are going to do battle here,” announcer Scotty Ernst bellowed into the microphone.

From Los Angeles Times

"You almost feel like a gladiator movie, all the gladiators come together."

From BBC

Suzie Gibson, a senior lecturer in English at Charles Sturt University, compared reality TV stars to "modern-day gladiators, battling for love, fame and Instagram followers".

From BBC