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

Before becoming association president, West performed at the festival in middle school, performing the Japanese self-defense martial art, shorinji kempo. — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2026

Beyond the Golden Hall, visitors encounter other temples and figures associated with different needs, from health and inner balance to martial arts. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Attendees explored hands-on stations offering activities like Yutnori games, Korean calligraphy, Hanbok fittings, traditional tea ceremonies, K-Beauty demonstrations and martial arts workshops. — Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026

Paparazzi photos also leaked during Season 3 production, showing Finn Jones back as Danny Rand, aka the martial arts expert Iron Fist, alongside Ritter and Colter. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Sep. 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