warrior

noun

war·​rior

ˈwȯr-yər, 

ˈwȯr-ē-ər 

ˈwär-ē-

also ˈwär-yər

often attributive

: a person engaged or experienced in warfare

broadly : a person engaged in some struggle or conflict

poverty warriors

Synonyms of warrior

• soldier
• fighter

Examples of warrior in a Sentence

a proud and brave warrior

a program of tough training and discipline that turns untried civilians into warriors

Recent Examples on the Web

Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster has kicked off debates about geopolitics, a dark-skinned woman as Helen of Troy and a trans actor playing a Greek warrior. — John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Facing global threats, including a kingdom of undersea warriors, a new Black Panther comes to the forefront in a stirring story about life, legacy and loss. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026

The finale, set in autumn, concerns an accident of nature—a warrior is struck by lightning, in full view of Murashige and his other men—that turns out not to have been so accidental. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026

Masahiro Motoki plays Murashige, a real-life warrior of the era whose clan broke with the hawkish Oda (Bando Shingo), seeking refuge in Arioka Castle. — Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English werreour, from Anglo-French *werreier, guerreier, from warreier, guerreier to wage war, from werre war — more at war

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing warrior

• cold warrior
• road warrior
• social justice warrior
• weekend warrior

Kids Definition

warrior

noun

war·​rior ˈwȯr-yər 

ˈwȯr-ē-ər, 

ˈwär-ē-

: a person who is or has been in warfare