samurai

noun

sam·​u·​rai ˈsa-mə-ˌrī 

ˈsam-yə-

plural samurai

1

: a military retainer of a Japanese daimyo practicing the code of conduct of Bushido

2

: the warrior aristocracy of Japan

Examples of samurai in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The most iconic is the Nakasendo Way, which can take as long as eleven days along the old samurai highway from Kyoto to Tokyo. — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Miyamoto is portrayed by the late actor Toshiro Minafune, perhaps best known for his roles as a samurai in classic Akira Kurosawa films like Seven Samurai, Rashomon, and Yojimbo. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 2 July 2026

In Tokyo, family fun can be found around every corner, from the wild, interactive teamLab digital art museums to Mario Kart–themed go kart tours and samurai sword training. — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 June 2026

His character leads outcast samurai seeking to avenge their master's killing. — ABC News, 29 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for samurai

• abscissae
• adonai
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi

Kids Definition

samurai

noun

sam·​u·​rai ˈsam-(y)ə-ˌrī 

plural samurai

: a warrior serving a Japanese feudal lord and practicing a code of conduct which valued honor over life