Spartan

[ spahr-tn ]

adjective

1. Also Spar·tan·ic [] of or relating to Sparta or its people.
2. (usually lowercase) suggestive of the ancient Spartans; sternly disciplined and rigorously simple, frugal, or austere.
3. (usually lowercase) brave; undaunted.

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Sparta.
2. a person of Spartan characteristics.

Spartan

/ ˈspɑːtən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Sparta or its citizens
2. sometimes not capital very strict or austere

   a Spartan upbringing

3. sometimes not capital possessing courage and resolve

noun

1. a citizen of Sparta
2. sometimes not capital a disciplined or brave person
3. a Canadian variety of eating apple

Derived Forms

• ˈSpartanism, noun

Other Words From

• Spartan·ism noun
• Spartan·ly Spar·tani·cal·ly adverb
• non-Spartan adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Spartan¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin Spartānus, equivalent to Spart ( a ) Sparta (< Doric Greek Spártā ) + -ānus -an

Synonym Study

See austere.

Example Sentences

Two seasons ago, Albion's 104-year stint in the senior leagues came to an end as they were relegated following a play-off defeat by The Spartans.

From BBC

Four universities have forfeited matches against the Spartans following controversy over the gender identity of one of the team’s players.

From Los Angeles Times

Family from his mother’s side live in Michigan and are either Michigan Wolverines or Michigan State Spartans fans.

From Los Angeles Times

Wyoming was scheduled to play host to the Spartans on Saturday, but that match has already been called a forfeit.

From Los Angeles Times

There are some cute conceits — cereal brands with names like Spartan Crunch and Achilles’ Heels, and Zeus and Poseidon bobbleheads.

From Los Angeles Times