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
Kaufman, 13, trains in Muaythai, a combat sport and martial art from Thailand that allows fighters to use their fists, elbows, knees, and shins to hit, grab, or sweep their opponents.
—
Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
There was plenty of sword fighting, martial arts, explosions, fireballs and fireworks.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Most schools focus on specific sports, including martial arts, baseball and basketball.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
The free dance classes are part of Moyo’s Each One Teach One, a series of community arts programs that include martial arts, crafting, children’s programs, DJing and more.
—Tamara Dunn, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for martial art
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.
Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
There was plenty of sword fighting, martial arts, explosions, fireballs and fireworks.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Most schools focus on specific sports, including martial arts, baseball and basketball.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
The free dance classes are part of Moyo’s Each One Teach One, a series of community arts programs that include martial arts, crafting, children’s programs, DJing and more.
—Tamara Dunn, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for martial art
Cite this Entry
“Martial art.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martial%20art. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
