samurai

noun

sam·​u·​rai ˈsa-mə-ˌrī How to pronounce samurai (audio)
ˈsam-yə-
plural samurai
1
: a military retainer of a Japanese daimyo practicing the code of conduct of Bushido
2
: the warrior aristocracy of Japan

Examples of samurai in a Sentence

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.
The well of samurai film history in Japan is incredibly deep. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Nov. 2024 May’s role is being kept under wraps, as is the plot of the film, which is described as a corporate thriller with a samurai twist. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024 The entire film takes place in a marsh where two women — a mother and a daughter-in-law — make their living by murdering samurai who wander into their swampy territory and selling the warriors' armor for cash. Katie Rife, EW.com, 25 Oct. 2024 The movie culminates in their version of The Nutcracker, this one with a samurai and a knock-off John Rambo. Esther Zuckerman, TIME, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for samurai 

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of samurai was in 1727

Dictionary Entries Near samurai

Cite this Entry

“Samurai.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/samurai. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

samurai

noun
sam·​u·​rai ˈsam-(y)ə-ˌrī How to pronounce samurai (audio)
plural samurai
: a warrior serving a Japanese feudal lord and practicing a code of conduct which valued honor over life

More from Merriam-Webster on samurai

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