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.
Along with being experts in the martial arts, many of the competitors exhibit supernatural abilities. Michileen Martin, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 Tai Chi Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art that combines slow movements and deep breathing to intentionally balance energy through the body, Emauel told Health. Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 20 June 2025 Most of the film to that point is about his pre-Batman life, including his training in martial arts with the League of Shadows in a Himalayan eyrie. Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 19 June 2025 After his time in the martial arts franchise, Morita starred on the Nickelodeon series The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo as Mike Woo, Shelby's (Irene Ng) grandfather. Keith Langston, People.com, 1 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Martial art.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martial%20art. Accessed 30 Jun. 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

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