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noun Uncommon

gauntlet

GAWNT-luht
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Gauntlet (noun) means a heavy protective glove, historically part of a suit of armour, traditionally thrown down as a challenge to fight (as in "throw down the gauntlet"). Example: “The knight threw down his gauntlet to challenge his rival.”

noun
1
A heavy protective glove, historically part of a suit of armour, traditionally thrown down as a challenge to fight (as in "throw down the gauntlet").
"The knight threw down his gauntlet to challenge his rival."
2
A long glove that covers part of the forearm, worn for protection in sports or work.
"The falconer wore a leather gauntlet to protect his arm."
3
A difficult or punishing ordeal one must get through, especially a barrage of criticism, obstacles, or attacks (as in "run the gauntlet").
"New recruits had to run the gauntlet of tough questions from reporters."
"She ran the gauntlet of angry fans on her way out of the stadium."

How to use gauntlet

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither an armoured glove, or — more commonly today — a tough ordeal or gauntlet of criticism/obstacles you have to push through.

Common mistake

The phrase is "run the gauntlet," not "run the gamut" — gamut refers to a full range (of emotions, colours, etc.), a completely different expression.

Easily confused with
gamut →
Common pairings
throw down the gauntlet run the gauntlet pick up the gauntlet
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Word forms

Plural
gauntlets
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Fill the gap

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The knight threw down his _____ to challenge his rival.

Etymology

From Old French gantelet, a diminutive of gant ("glove"), tracing back to a Frankish word for glove or mitten.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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gantlet metal glove

Frequently asked questions

What does “gauntlet” mean?
The word “gauntlet” means a heavy protective glove, historically part of a suit of armour, traditionally thrown down as a challenge to fight (as in "throw down the gauntlet"). In plain terms, either an armoured glove, or — more commonly today — a tough ordeal or gauntlet of criticism/obstacles you have to push through.
How do you pronounce “gauntlet”?
“Gauntlet” is pronounced GAWNT-luht (/ˈɡɔːnt.lət/ in IPA).
How do you use “gauntlet” in a sentence?
Here is “gauntlet” used in a sentence: “The knight threw down his gauntlet to challenge his rival.”
What part of speech is “gauntlet”?
“Gauntlet” is a noun.
Where does the word “gauntlet” come from?
The word “gauntlet” comes from Old French. From Old French gantelet, a diminutive of gant ("glove"), tracing back to a Frankish word for glove or mitten.
Is “gauntlet” a common word?
“Gauntlet” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gauntlet” have?
“Gauntlet” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a heavy protective glove, historically part of a suit of armour, traditionally thrown down as a challenge to fight (as in "throw down the gauntlet").