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 of gladiator

• boxer
• fighter

Examples of gladiator in a Sentence

the two punch-drunk gladiators stumbled to their corners

Recent Examples on the Web

This strappy style blends Gwyneth Paltrow’s Mary Jane look with a gladiator sandal, due to its higher rise and triple straps. — Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026

Besides, Damon showing up in full gladiator armor probably isn’t the kind of red carpet Hollywood is looking for. — Alex Badia, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

What caught my eye—and gave me a heavy sense of déjà vu—though, were the strappy metallic silver gladiator heels. — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 17 July 2026

She was seen Monday in New York wearing a plunging archival Alberta Ferretti minidress and Sophia Webster heeled gladiators. — Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026

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

Rhymes for gladiator

• creator
• curator
• debater
• deflator
• dictator
• dilator
• equator
• locator
• piscator
• pronator
• relator
• rotator

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