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 Sony revived the title in 2010 with a remake that updated the story for more modern and global times, focusing on an American kid, played by Jaden Smith, who moves to Beijing and is mentored by a handyman/martial arts master played by Chan, already a beloved international star at that point. Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Nov. 2023 Directed by the former Rosalía collaborator Carlota Guerrero, the pair stalk their way through a surrealist, hangar-like space seen through a gauzy white glow, wearing a pair of deconstructed looks loosely inspired by martial arts gear styled by Gina Berenguer. Liam Hess, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023 That gave me the idea to create my own style of action, combining dance and martial arts. Simon Abrams, The New Yorker, 19 Nov. 2023 These titles feature a cursed film strip, high-flying martial arts, thoughtful reflections on climate change and more Save People sometimes say that science fiction basks in optimism for a better future, while fantasy is about nostalgia for an imaginary past. Charlie Jane Anders, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2023 Even Chuck Norris, who helped launch martial arts in America, couldn’t hang with Gracie. Kevin Maurer, Rolling Stone, 12 Nov. 2023 Meander through studios, galleries and cultural organizations like Nation’s Lab, which offers martial arts, boxing and self defense classes with a focus on community building. Kamren Curiel, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2023 And casting Chan inspired the filmmakers to create a bona fide Jackie Chan fight scene for Splinter in the martial arts icon’s signature action-comedy style. Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 15 Nov. 2023 Chen, a martial arts instructor, had a role in The Intern, which starred De Niro. Georgia Slater, Peoplemag, 16 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'martial art.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near martial art

Cite this Entry

“Martial art.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martial%20art. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

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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