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.
Prosecutors used the bystander video on Monday to bolster their contention that Penny, a former Marine trained in martial arts, should have known that his chokehold maneuver was turning fatal. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024 His areas of expertise include literature, painting, sculpting, calligraphy, music, martial arts, and traditional medicine. Joseph Bien-Kahn, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2024 He’s done all of this incredible work and martial arts. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2024 Quan also has a martial arts background in taekwondo, so his commitment to Love Hurts hinged on being able to do all of his own fight choreography. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near martial art

Cite this Entry

“Martial art.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martial%20art. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!