Spartan

American  

[spahr-tn] / ˈspɑr 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.

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Sparta.

2. a person of Spartan characteristics.

Spartan British  

/ 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

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noun

1. a citizen of Sparta

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

3. a Canadian variety of eating apple

Related Words

See austere.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of Spartan

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

Explanation

A spartan existence is kind of like being a monk. Your room is bare, you live simply and eat sparingly, and your sheets are probably scratchy. In ancient Greece, there were two great city states: Athens and Sparta. Athens had the artists, the good food, the great parties. Sparta had the warriors — the guys who went to bed early and drilled all day. They lived in bare rooms and didn’t get sick days or time off. A spartan life is a life of discipline and self-denial. Some people like it like that. Go figure.

Example Sentences

“The metal still looks headed higher, with new milestones yet to be achieved,” said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist with Spartan Capital Securities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

“That’s relieving to the market,” said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Spartan Capital Securities.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 21, 2026

Ms. Rosenwein quotes the Spartan poet Tyrtaeus, summarizing his opinion that “when a white-haired man falls to the enemy, he is a ‘shameful sight,’ whereas a young man dead on the battlefield is beautiful.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

After being consulted by the referee, it appears Tom Izzo asks former Spartan, Paul Davis, to leave his seat.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2026

“I think that’s a Spartan princess named Cynisca,” said Sierra, who read a ton of history books, too.

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein