How to pronounce gladiator
Say it like GLAD-ee-ay-ter. Gladiator has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GLAD).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gladiator. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GLAD
- ee
- ay
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gladiator pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GLADSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- ayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of gladiator
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: GLAD-ee-ay-tuh.
What does gladiator mean?
- A person (professional or slave) who entertained the public by engaging in mortal combat with another, or with a wild animal.
- A disputant in a public controversy or debate.
- A professional boxer.
- To fight as entertainment for others.
- To compete in a public contest.
- To debate or argue.
Where does gladiator come from?
From Latin gladiātor, from gladius (“sword”).
Questions about saying gladiator
How do you pronounce gladiator?
Say GLAD-ee-ay-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡlædiˌeɪtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɡlædiˌeɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gladiator?
Gladiator has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GLAD). Broken into parts: GLAD · ee · ay · ter.
Is gladiator pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɡlædiˌeɪtə/ (GLAD-ee-ay-tuh).