# gauntlet

/ˈɡɔntɫət/ (US) · /ɡˈɔːntlət/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gauntlet
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a heavy glove used in the past to protect a soldier's hand. Today, it is mostly used in the phrase 'throw down the gauntlet' to mean you are challenging someone to a fight or competition.

For teachers: a protective glove, historically made of leather or metal, covering the hand and wrist. In modern usage, it appears primarily in idiomatic expressions regarding challenges or difficult trials.

## Examples

- The knight pulled on his heavy steel gauntlet before the battle.
- The company threw down the gauntlet by releasing a cheaper, faster version of its rival's best product.
- To earn her degree while working full-time, she had to run the gauntlet of sleepless nights, constant deadlines, and high-stakes examinations.

## Pitfalls

- Not "run the gantlet" but "run the gauntlet" — While 'gantlet' is a historical spelling for the ordeal, 'gauntlet' is the standard modern spelling for both the glove and the challenge.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the idioms 'throw down the gauntlet' (to issue a challenge) and 'run the gauntlet' (to endure a series of problems).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.