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
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 suspect works at a martial arts school as a master trainer, authorities said. Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 20 July 2025 Go see the milking demonstrations with dairy cows: Head over to the Millennium Barn to see cows milked at 2:15 and 4:15 p.m daily. See a show free at the Hangar until 5 p.m.: Daily performances including folklorico and belly dancing, choirs, martial arts demonstrations and clog dancers. Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 19 July 2025 The martial arts project highlights the distinct approaches to AI in the U.S. and China, as outlined in a new report from the Los Angeles Times. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 18 July 2025 The red band trailer is filled with martial arts violence and showcases the sequel’s fantasy setting, which centers around a deadly tournament between dimensions, where heroes from Earthrealm and the dark Outworld must battle for their very existence. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for martial art

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of martial art was in 1904

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Martial art.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martial%20art. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on martial art

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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