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In ancient times, the Greek city-state of Sparta had a reputation for the severe and highly disciplined way of life it enforced among its citizens, so as to keep them ready for war at any time. Physical training was required for both men and women. A boy would begin his military training at 7 and would live in army barracks for much of his life, even after he was married. Today, when a cargo ship or a remote beach resort offers "spartan accommodations", some tourists jump at the chance for a refreshing change from the luxuries they've been used to—and no one worries that they'll be forced out of bed at dawn to participate in war games.
Examples of Spartan in a Sentence
Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026
In December 2022, the streamer greenlit a series based on God of War, a 20-year-old PlayStation franchise about Kratos, a Spartan warrior who trades his soul to Ares, the Greek god of war, in exchange for victory in battle.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026
The unusual imbroglio comes amid a multi-year billion-dollar project by UM to replace the aging, relatively Spartan residential facilities from its earliest years with the deluxe, amenity-laden accommodations that the university says are necessary to attract and retain students today.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026
That soft reboot of the franchise picked up with Kratos, a Spartan warrior who killed Ares and became the new Greek god of war in previous entries, living in Scandinavia in the realm of the Norse deities.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Jan. 2026
Ahead, a towering neon Spartan soldier marks the entrance to Hellas Restaurant & Bakery.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
Spartan fans needed only to wait a few hours before learning of the man in charge of turning things around in East Lansing.
—The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025
His incredible passion will resonate throughout the program, connecting with all members of our Spartan community, including student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and donors.
—Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025
Smith and his Spartan team went 4-8 overall with a poor 1-8 conference record, marking the fourth straight losing season for the program.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spartan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Spartan. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Spartan
1 of 2 noun
Spartan
2 of 2 adjective
