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
Examples of gladiator in a Sentence
the two punch-drunk gladiators stumbled to their corners
Recent Examples on the Web
Like gladiators entering the arena, 62 aspiring American Idol contestants survived the first round of Hollywood Week only to run into the buzzsaw of Sunday night’s (April 6) Showstopper rounds.
—
Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 7 Apr. 2025
Our adversarial system needs its legal gladiators on both sides of the political aisle to challenge government overreach and fight for their clients without fear of retribution.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
As revealed in the teaser trailer below, the show features dinosaur gladiators, space battles, and household appliances coming to life.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Refresh your shoe stand with a new pair of gladiator sandals, boat shoes, and slingback heels.
—Victoria Montalti, Refinery29, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gladiator
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Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 7 Apr. 2025
Our adversarial system needs its legal gladiators on both sides of the political aisle to challenge government overreach and fight for their clients without fear of retribution.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
As revealed in the teaser trailer below, the show features dinosaur gladiators, space battles, and household appliances coming to life.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Refresh your shoe stand with a new pair of gladiator sandals, boat shoes, and slingback heels.
—Victoria Montalti, Refinery29, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gladiator
Cite this Entry
“Gladiator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gladiator. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Etymology
from Latin gladiator, literally, "swordsman," from gladius "sword" — related to gladiolus
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