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 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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Here are five things to watch when the Bruins face the Spartans at Spartan Stadium at 9 a.m.

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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.

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

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