Etymology Map
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Gladiator

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a man trained to fight in Roman arenas

Where does the word "gladiator" come from? It comes from Latin gladiator, adopted directly into English (1500s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
gladiator
Latin · ancient
"swordsman"
from 'gladius', sword, the root of 'gladiolus'
2
Stage 2 of 2
gladiator
English · 1500s
"swordsman"
the film 'Gladiator' came out in 2000
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Read the full story

Gladiator’s story begins in Latin: gladiator meant “swordsman.” From 'gladius', sword, the root of 'gladiolus'. It reached English by 1500s as gladiator. The film 'Gladiator' came out in 2000. Today, gladiator means a man trained to fight in Roman arenas.