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.
Enter Johnny Cage — an eccentric martial arts movie star played by Urban. Nigel Smith, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026 Korean star Lee Byung-hun, known for his roles in Squid Game and Park Chan-wook’s Korean Oscars submission No Other Choice, has signed up to star in Hive Media Corp’s martial arts action film Nambeol (working title). Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 6 May 2026 Kaufman, 13, trains in Muaythai, a combat sport and martial art from Thailand that allows fighters to use their fists, elbows, knees, and shins to hit, grab, or sweep their opponents. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026 There was plenty of sword fighting, martial arts, explosions, fireballs and fireworks. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026 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 10 May. 2026.

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

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