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

The Spartans have three players who can run 100 meters in 10.5 seconds or faster, including the state’s fastest athlete, record holder Jaden Jefferson.

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He campaigned against the Spartan alliance in northern Greece.

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He ran marathons and finished grueling Spartan Races.

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The Bruins give up an early touchdown on the road but then shut down the Spartans while scoring 28 unanswered points in the first half.

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Their attacking, disciplined defense forced another turnover and stifled Michigan State after allowing the Spartans to score a touchdown on their opening drive.

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