gladiator

noun

glad·​i·​a·​tor ˈgla-dē-ˌā-tər 

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

ˌgla-dē-ə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

adjective

Synonyms

• boxer
• fighter
• prizefighter
• pug
• pugilist

Examples of gladiator in a Sentence

the two punch-drunk gladiators stumbled to their corners

Recent Examples on the Web

However, Lopez ignored the popular jelly options for a pair that feature espadrille soles and leather ankle straps, thus becoming a perfect hybrid between fisherman and gladiator sandals. —María Munsuri, Glamour, 21 July 2024

McTavish will play Korris, a former gladiator who won his freedom in the arena and is now Ashur’s Doctore, training the gladiators in Ashur’s ludu. —Nick Caruso, TVLine, 11 July 2024

What remains to be seen is whether fans who see the films as a double feature will wear gladiator skirts and witch hats to the theater. —Scottie Andrew, CNN, 11 July 2024

Euro Gang and Sisti most recently collaborated on Roland Emmerich’s upcoming mega-budget gladiator TV series Those About To Die. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 July 2024

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

Kids Definition

gladiator

noun

glad·​i·​a·​tor ˈglad-ē-ˌāt-ər 

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

ˌglad-ē-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əl 

-ˈtȯr-

adjective

Etymology

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