: any of various Chinese martial arts and related disciplines that are practiced especially for self-defense, exercise, and spiritual growth

Examples of kung fu 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 kung fu revitalization efforts will extend into other areas, including the creation of a martial arts video game. Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025 Several Chinese film studios are preparing to harness AI to reproduce potentially dozens of classic kung fu films, including those starring Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 June 2025 There are a lot of fans who like kung fu movies, Samurai films, Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, Bullet, Clint Eastwood and Sergio Leone. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025 In the film, he’s aided by his kung fu teacher Mr. Han, played by Jackie Chan, and LaRusso. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for kung fu

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Beijing) gōngfu skill, art

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kung fu was in 1870

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Cite this Entry

“Kung fu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kung%20fu. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

: a Chinese art of self-defense resembling karate

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