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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

He campaigned against the Spartan alliance in northern Greece.

From The Wall Street Journal

He ran marathons and finished grueling Spartan Races.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times