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

Visitors closely followed the performance as the robot carried out the traditional martial art movements with remarkable consistency and coordination, according to a statement by Zoomlion. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026

The American presidency has long-standing ties to the world of martial arts. —Bhumika Tharoor, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026

The outlet reported that the comedy film was set to center a group of nerds learning martial arts and follow the relationship that forms between the students and their karate sensei. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026

Blunt blades or curved swords for the purposes of historical re-enactment or filmmaking or for sports such as fencing or martial arts are allowed (usually with proof of participation such as insurance document or club membership card). —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 3 June 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