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

Example Sentences

Boise State also forfeited its conference tournament semifinal match to the Spartans.

From Los Angeles Times

The nationally televised meet featured the past two Big Ten gymnastics champions, with the Bruins winning in 2025 and the Spartans in 2024.

From Los Angeles Times

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

So when Rasshan looked up at the scoreboard Thursday night at Etiwanda in the first quarter and saw the Spartans had scored the first 24 points, he had to think football.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times