Gladiator

/ˈɡlæd.i.eɪ.tər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person, often a slave or criminal, who was trained to fight in ancient Rome for public entertainment.
The spectacle of the gladiator battles captivated audiences in the Colosseum.
A person who engages in a highly competitive environment or a fight, often used metaphorically.
In the corporate world, she was a gladiator, fighting to secure her place among the elite.
A champion or someone who is determined to succeed, often in a difficult situation.
He was a gladiator on the basketball court, never backing down from a challenge.

Etymology

From Latin 'gladiator', from 'gladius' meaning 'sword'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

gladiator school:
A training place for individuals to become fighters.
modern gladiators:
Refers to present-day competitors in extreme sports.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

A tough person or fighter.
He's a real gladiator in the ring.
Someone who bravely stands up for their beliefs.
She’s a gladiator for the environment.