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.
Such an indoor venue also could be used for small conventions, banquets and high school graduations, as well as amateur athletic competitions for volleyball, cheerleading and martial arts. Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 May 2025 When Ayyub was a child, a group of men gathered every morning for prayer and martial arts in a field down the street from her home. Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 Both films center a young teen underdog who overcomes self-doubt and bullying through martial arts. Devonne Goode, Parents, 8 May 2025 By Tuesday morning, Mr. Poilievre’s campaign office, on the top floor of a building with signs for a church and a martial arts school in downtown Manotick, had largely been emptied. Ian Austen, New York Times, 30 Apr. 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 28 May. 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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