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
Protected by the masks, the gladiators assume a secret identity and become national symbols.
—
ABC News,
1 July 2026
For the first unveiling of the center to the public, the style icon went a touch more casual, opting for a pair of cool flare jeans paired with Jimmy Choo’s Ayla Sandals—the brand’s modern refresh of 2016’s gladiator sandals.
—
Kaitlin Clapinski,
InStyle,
30 June 2026
The three-time Olympic gold medalist and New Balance athlete showcased metallic sandals with a caged strap aesthetic echoing gladiator shoes of Ancient Rome.
—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
28 June 2026
The studs, ankle strap and gladiator shape are Mars-y and commanding, just like this Fire sign.
—
Hedy Phillips,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gladiator
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ABC News,
1 July 2026
For the first unveiling of the center to the public, the style icon went a touch more casual, opting for a pair of cool flare jeans paired with Jimmy Choo’s Ayla Sandals—the brand’s modern refresh of 2016’s gladiator sandals.
—
Kaitlin Clapinski,
InStyle,
30 June 2026
The three-time Olympic gold medalist and New Balance athlete showcased metallic sandals with a caged strap aesthetic echoing gladiator shoes of Ancient Rome.
—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
28 June 2026
The studs, ankle strap and gladiator shape are Mars-y and commanding, just like this Fire sign.
—
Hedy Phillips,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gladiator
Cite this Entry
“Gladiator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gladiator. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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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