gladiator

noun

glad·​i·​a·​tor ˈgla-dē-ˌā-tər How to pronounce gladiator (audio)
1
: a person engaged in a fight to the death as public entertainment for ancient Romans
2
: a person engaging in a public fight or controversy
3
: a trained fighter
especially : a professional boxer
gladiatorial adjective

Examples of gladiator in a Sentence

the two punch-drunk gladiators stumbled to their corners
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Vogue’s Favorite Summer Shorts A peach mini short form Chloé takes on a Birkin-like attitude with a knit henley, basket bag, and gladiators. Christina Holevas, Vogue, 5 July 2025 Bite marks on the skeleton of a Yorkshire gladiator were found to be evidence of death by lion. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025 Wear it with gladiator sandals and a crossbody for daytime exploring, then swap in bold earrings and heels for an island dinner under the stars. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2025 This new season is comprised of ten episodes, all of which drop today, spanning T-Rex gladiators, household appliances in a search for work-life balance, and aliens, demons, Nazi demons and lots more. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for gladiator

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from gladius sword, of Celtic origin; akin to Welsh cleddyf sword

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gladiator was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gladiator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gladiator. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

gladiator

noun
glad·​i·​a·​tor ˈglad-ē-ˌāt-ər How to pronounce gladiator (audio)
1
: a person engaged in a fight to the death for public entertainment in ancient Rome
2
: a person engaging in a fierce fight or controversy
gladiatorial adjective
Etymology

from Latin gladiator, literally, "swordsman," from gladius "sword" — related to gladiolus

More from Merriam-Webster on gladiator

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