martial art

noun

: any of several arts of combat and self-defense (such as karate and judo) that are widely practiced as sport

martial artist noun

Examples of martial art in a Sentence

He was trained in the martial arts.

Recent Examples on the Web

In crafting one of the best martial arts films of all time, Lee offers an expansive, mythic take on a genre too often confined to the grindhouse. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026

Luis Alberti, Hernández and Luis Curiel lead a cast that was trained by martial arts expert Fidel Cerda, who also choreographed and supervised the fight sequences. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

Inspired by the Japanese holiday, the annual Como Park Japanese Obon Festival returns to the zoo grounds with dance, music, taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, food and beverages and games. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2026

The genre benefits immensely not just from a vibrant game development culture but also from an even older tradition of complex martial arts and impeccable animation. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for martial art

• counterpart
• apart
• depart
• flowchart
• forepart
• impart
• pushcart
• rampart
• redstart
• restart
• subpart
• sweetheart

Kids Definition

martial art

noun

: any of several arts of combat and self-defense (as karate and judo) that are widely practiced as a sport

martial artist noun