adj · noun · 12 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
/ˈspɑː(ɹ)tən/
Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
General-American:/ˈspɑɹtən/
Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
rhymes with -ɑː(ɹ)tən
CMU ARPABET:S P AA1 R T AH0 N
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adj
Meaning 1
Austere, frugal, characterized by self-denial.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
I went on the retreat to the monastery, thinking I would be sleeping in a spartan cell, only to discover a simple but comfortable bedroom.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
adj
Meaning 2
Resolute in the face of danger or adversity.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
The spartan legionaries vowed to fight to the death.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
adj
Meaning 3
Lacking in decoration and luxury.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
After ten years as a fashion designer in the rough-and-tumble Garment District, Eloise left New York for the spartan but serene life of a farmer's wife.
