gladiator

[ glad-ee-ey-ter ]

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) a person, often a slave or captive, who was armed with a sword or other weapon and compelled to fight to the death in a public arena against another person or a wild animal, for the entertainment of the spectators.
2. a person who engages in a fight or controversy.
3. a prizefighter.

gladiator

/ ˈɡlædɪˌeɪtə /

noun

1. (in ancient Rome and Etruria) a man trained to fight in arenas to provide entertainment
2. a person who supports and fights publicly for a cause

Word History and Origins

Origin of gladiator¹

1535–45; < Latin gladiātor, equivalent to gladi ( us ) sword + -ātor -ator

Word History and Origins

Origin of gladiator¹

C16: from Latin: swordsman, from gladius sword

Example Sentences

Scott orchestrates something like this in the movie, pitting the crews of two ships, one manned by Roman soldiers, the other by gladiators, against each other.

From Los Angeles Times

There are "heavily armed gladiators riding a charging rhinoceros" and "wounded men tumbling from boats into the jaws of ravenous sharks" during the nautical battle staged in the flooded pit of the Colosseum.

From BBC

Mescal's character Lucius is forced into slavery following an invasion by Roman soldiers, and must fight in the Colosseum as a gladiator to restore Rome's glory.

From BBC

"I'm a gladiator. I am a warrior to the bitter end. I want to get to the top level of this sport and reach my potential."

From BBC

"I look at myself as a gladiator and I'm going to step into the arena tomorrow to perform for the people," Joshua said.

From BBC