noun
gladiator
GLA-dee-ay-tuh
noun
1
In ancient Rome, a fighter — often a slave or captive — who fought other men or animals for public entertainment.
"The gladiator entered the arena to the roar of the crowd."
2
A person who fights or competes fiercely, especially in public.
"In the courtroom, she was a real gladiator for her clients."
How to Use Gladiator
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOriginally a Roman arena fighter; now also used figuratively for a fierce competitor or debater.
Common pairings
gladiator arena
modern-day gladiator
Word Forms
gladiatored past tense, gladiators plural, gladiators singular
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Etymology
From Latin gladiator, from gladius ("sword").