In the time of the Roman Empire, a gladiator was a man who had to fight against other men or wild animals in order to entertain an audience.
2. countable noun
You can refer to a sports player or a performer as a gladiator in order to emphasize how brave or dangerous their actions are.
[journalism, emphasis]
As the gladiators rolled away from the starting gates, a gasp went up when the Scottishcyclist's left foot clicked out of the pedal.
gladiator in British English
(ˈɡlædɪˌeɪtə)
noun
1.
(in ancient Rome and Etruria) a man trained to fight in arenas to provide entertainment
2.
a person who supports and fights publicly for a cause
Word origin
C16: from Latin: swordsman, from gladius sword
gladiator in American English
(ˈglædiˌeɪtər)
noun
1.
in ancient Rome, a man who fought other men or animals with a sword or other weapon in an arena, for the entertainment of spectators: gladiators were slaves, captives, or paid performers
2.
any person taking part in a public controversy or fight
Derived forms
gladiatorial (ˌgladiaˈtorial) (ˌglædiəˈtɔriəl)
adjective
Word origin
L < gladius, sword, via Celt (as in Welsh cleddyf, sword) < IE base *kel-, to strike > L calamitas
Examples of 'gladiator' in a sentence
gladiator
Gladiator planet Mars puts you in a confident mood.
The Sun (2016)
Gladiator planet Mars races into the part of your chart that will help you to win what you set your heart on.
The Sun (2016)
The epic Gladiator was filmed here, and the venue is still used for concerts.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Team with vertiginous gladiator sandals for an extra edge.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The days of gladiator fights are over and we should not be looking to resurrect them.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
He is forced to fight as a gladiator.
The Sun (2010)
Gladiator school is 350 a day for up to eight people.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Your confidence and energy are boosted by gladiator planet Mars.
The Sun (2013)
The key to this look is the gladiator sandals - they add some grit.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Gladiator planet Mars makes you stronger and certain about what you want to do next.
The Sun (2008)
Gladiator sandals The gladiator sandal comes in many guises for summer.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Gladiator planet Mars makes you a bit tougher when you discuss cash and family responsibilities.
The Sun (2013)
Gladiator planet Mars gives you the extra energy and total determination that gets deals done.
The Sun (2011)
Gladiator planet Mars gives you confidence to put ideas across at work or in a job search.
The Sun (2009)
Gladiator planet Mars keeps you strong and in control when you deal with both practical and emotional matters.
The Sun (2010)
Gladiator planet Mars is on your side and a project that once seemed too tough is now doable.
The Sun (2012)
No one looks good in gladiator sandals, and yet a lot of people seem to be wearing them.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Answers) to questions such as'Why did gladiators fight?
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In your Office gladiator sandals.
The Sun (2011)
If all that gadgetry baffles you, go for the raw deal at the gladiator training school in Rome.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Gladiator sandals are all very well, but exposed toes aren't such a good idea in public spaces.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Well, I went to gladiator school of my own volition.