1. In ancient Greece, a young man of military age (typically 18–20 years old) undergoing state-sponsored military training and civic education.
Usage: historical; also spelled ephebe or epheboi (plural)

Examples

• The ephebos completed two years of mandatory military service in Athens.
• Young men became epheboi after reaching adulthood and were trained in warfare and citizenship.
• The ephebos system was central to ancient Greek military preparation.
• Each ephebos swore an oath to defend the state and uphold its laws.