Spartan

1 of 3

noun (1)

Spar·​tan ˈspär-tᵊn 

1

: a native or inhabitant of the ancient city of Sparta

2

: a person of great courage and self-discipline

Spartanism

ˈspär-tᵊn-ˌi-zəm 

noun

Spartan

2 of 3

adjective

1

: of or relating to Sparta in ancient Greece

2

a

often spartan : marked by strict self-discipline or self-denial

a Spartan athlete

b

often spartan : marked by simplicity, frugality, or avoidance of luxury and comfort

a Spartan room

c

: laconic

d

: undaunted by pain or danger

Spartanly adverb

Spartanism

3 of 3

noun (2)

Spar·​tan·​ism ˈspärtᵊnˌizəm 

-pȧt-

plural -s

: the moral quality or traits ascribed to the ancient Spartans : austerity in mode of living or in self-discipline : indomitableness or endurance especially under great stress

also : conduct characteristic of such moral quality or traits

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms of Spartan

Adjective

• austere
• simple
• no-frills
• stark

Examples of Spartan in a Sentence

Adjective

accommodations on the windjammer are spartan but clean and comfortable nevertheless

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

When Michigan State’s rally against Connecticut ran out of gas last night, so did my son’s four-year run as a Spartan manager. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026

Once the credits have finished rolling, retreat to sleep in one of their funky Spartan trailers, kitted out in Atomic Age furnishings. —Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

Spartan statements move shared work forward. —Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2026

His teams aren’t always the most talented or refined, but every Spartan opponent knows to bring a hardhat and some extra ice packs. —Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Some Cyber Spartan teammates also participate in other extracurricular activities, making their time in the lab that much more important. —Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2026

Kratos began as a Spartan warrior and a servant of Ares, the Greek god of war. —Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Feb. 2026

In 2024, her former Spartan teammate, Bridget Williams, competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics as a pole vaulter, placing 22nd overall. —Christopher Derose, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026

The Wolverines' first-half punch exposed Spartan weaknesses and MSU coach Tom Izzo is promising a lineup change, not panic, after the loss. —Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 31 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Spartan

• carton
• garten
• marten
• parton
• tartan
• kindergarten

Kids Definition

Spartan

1 of 2 noun

Spar·​tan ˈspärt-ᵊn 

1

: a person born or living in ancient Sparta

2

: a person of great courage and self-discipline

Spartan

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of or relating to Sparta in ancient Greece

2

often not capitalized

a

: marked by strict self-discipline or self-denial

a Spartan athlete

b

: marked by absence of comfort and luxury

a Spartan room

spartanly adverb