1. a person in ancient Rome who fought other people or animals for public entertainment
Usage: historical
2. a person who engages in a public fight or controversy
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The gladiator entered the arena to face a lion.
• Ancient Roman gladiators trained extensively for combat.
• Spartacus was a famous gladiator who led a slave revolt.
• The movie depicted the brutal life of gladiators in the Colosseum.
• The two politicians were like gladiators in the debate arena.
• She became a gladiator in the courtroom, fighting for justice.
• The gladiator’s victory earned him freedom from slavery.