judoka

noun

ju·​do·​ka ˈjü-dō-ˌkä How to pronounce judoka (audio)
ˌjü-dō-ˈkä
plural judoka or judokas
: one who participates in judo

Examples of judoka in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The basics: Leila (Arianne Mandi) is a world-class Iranian judoka competing at the Judo World Championships and killing it; a gold medal (which would be the first-ever for Iran) is seemingly within her grasp if things go well. Corey Seymour, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2025 Russian President Vladimir Putin is known to be a keen judoka. CBS News, 27 Nov. 2025 Aaron Fara Aaron Fara is a globally renowned judoka hailing from Austria. Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 However, the form originates in Brazil and began as a variation of Japanese judoka. Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 13 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for judoka

Word History

Etymology

Japanese jūdōka, from jūdō judo + -ka person

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of judoka was in 1949

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Judoka.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/judoka. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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