retiarius

American  

[ree-shee-air-ee-uhs] / ˌri ʃiˈɛər i əs /

noun

Roman History.

plural

retiarii

1. a gladiator equipped with a net for casting over his opponent.

---

retiarius British  

/ ˌriːtɪˈɛərɪəs, ˌriːʃɪ- /

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) a gladiator armed with a net and trident

---

Etymology

Origin of retiarius

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin rēte “net” + -i-, connecting vowel + -ārius, noun suffix; see origin at rete ( def. ), -i- -ary ( def. )

Example Sentences

One speaks of a gladiator in the singular, but we learn from Mr. Sidebottom that there were at least nine different types of gladiator: the murmillo, the thraex, the retiarius, the eques and so on.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

In his hands were the weapons of a retiarius - a trident and a weighted net.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan

The gladiators were named from their peculiar arms; the most common were the retiarius, who endeavoured to hamper his antagonist with a net; and his opponent the secutor.

From Pinnock's improved edition of Dr. Goldsmith's History of Rome to which is prefixed an introduction to the study of Roman history, and a great variety of valuable information added throughout the work, on the manners, institutions, and antiquities of the Romans; with numerous biographical and historical notes; and questions for examination at the end of each section. By Wm. C. Taylor. by Pinnock, William

For instance, he would take his stand in the arena equipped as a secutor, the lanista would have in charge not one retiarius, but ten, or even a dozen.

From Andivius Hedulio Adventures of a Roman Nobleman in the Days of the Empire by White, Edward Lucas

To begin with," he said, "I want you to understand that I like you, that I haven't forgotten that you rescued the retiarius, whopped Bambilio and behaved like a trump when Father tested you.

From The Unwilling Vestal by White, Edward Lucas