adjective
spartan
SPAH-tuhn
adjective
1
Extremely plain, strict, or self-disciplined, with no luxury or comfort.
"The monks lived in spartan conditions with just a bed and a desk."
noun
1
A native or citizen of the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta.
"The Spartans were famed throughout Greece for their military discipline."
How to Use Spartan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExtremely plain and disciplined, with no comforts — named after the tough, no-frills ancient Spartans.
Common pairings
spartan conditions
spartan lifestyle
spartan discipline
Word Forms
more spartan comparative, Spartans plural, most spartan superlative
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Etymology
From the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta, whose citizens were famous for austere living and rigorous military discipline.