Definition of martial
1 : of, relating to, or suited for war or a warrior martial music a martial tone of voice — Tim Appelo martial prowess
2 : relating to an army or to military life martial discipline stories of martial tradition — Ewen Macaskill
3 : experienced in or inclined to war : warlike its martial people fought the British to a standstill — Mary Anne Weaver
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Examples of martial in a Sentence
the marching band played “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and several other martial airs
one of the basic tenets of martial law
Did You Know?
Mars was the Roman god of war and one of the patron gods of Rome itself. He was responsible for everything military, from warriors to weapons to marching music. Thus, martial arts are skills of combat and self-defense also practiced as sport. When martial law is declared, a country's armed forces take over the functions of the police. And a court-martial is a military court or trial.
Origin and Etymology of martial
Middle English, from Latin martialis of Mars, from Mart-, Mars
First Known Use: 14th century
Did You Know?
Mars was the Roman god of war and one of the patron gods of Rome itself. He was responsible for everything military, from warriors to weapons to marching music. Thus, martial arts are skills of combat and self-defense also practiced as sport. When martial law is declared, a country's armed forces take over the functions of the police. And a court-martial is a military court or trial.
MARTIAL Defined for English Language Learners
martial
playDefinition of martial for English Language Learners
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: of or relating to war or soldiers
MARTIAL Defined for Kids
martial
playDefinition of martial for Students
: having to do with or suitable for war martial music martial courage
Learn More about martial
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See words that rhyme with martial Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for martial Spanish Central: Translation of martial Nglish: Translation of martial for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of martial for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about martial
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