gladiator

noun

glad·​i·​a·​tor ˈgla-dē-ˌā-tər How to pronounce gladiator (audio)
Synonyms of gladiatornext
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 How to pronounce gladiator (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of gladiator

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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.
The studs, ankle strap and gladiator shape are Mars-y and commanding, just like this Fire sign. — Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 Roman emperors used gladiators to do just that. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2026 Protected by the masks, the gladiators assume a secret identity and become national symbols. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 Biden likened the matches to Roman gladiator fights staged by 1st century emperors during undemocratic times. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026 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

Rhymes for gladiator

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Browse Nearby Words

gladiate
gladiator
gladiatorial
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Cite this Entry

“Gladiator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gladiator. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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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
ˌglad-ē-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əl How to pronounce gladiator (audio)
-ˈtȯr-
adjective
Etymology

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

More from Merriam-Webster on gladiator

Nglish: Translation of gladiator for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gladiator

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