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.
In a 2014 interview with Esquire, Kobe explained that the symbol is inspired by a samurai sword. Kayla Grant, People.com, 20 June 2025 During the following Meiji Period, two major events occurred: production and possession of samurai swords were banned; and the Japanese government actively enhanced the Westernization of the country, including meat consumption. Akiko Katayama, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 Eve’s physical resourcefulness makes anything around her lethal — plates, ice skates, flamethrowers, samurai swords — honoring John Wick’s creative capacity. Armond White, National Review, 11 June 2025 Musashi was a legendary swordsman and undefeated in combat, so much so that his duels with other samurai are the stuff of legend. Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Samurai.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/samurai. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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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