martial
adjective
inclined or disposed to war; warlike.
martial
1 American
[mahr-shuhl]
/ ˈmɑr ʃəl /
Martial
2
American
[mahr-shuhl]
/ ˈmɑr ʃəl /
noun
Martial
1
British
/ ˈmɑːʃəl /
adjective
Martial
2
British
/ ˈmɑːʃəl /
noun
martial
3
British
/ ˈmɑːʃəl /
adjective
Usage
What does martial mean? Martial means relating to war, combat, or military life. It’s most commonly used in the phrases martial arts, martial law, and court-martial. Less commonly, martial can mean warlike or characteristic of a warrior. Example: Most marches originated as martial music that was used to help soldiers march.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of martial
1325–75; Middle English < Latin Mārtiālis of, belonging to Mars, equivalent to Mārti- (stem of Mārs ) + -ālis -al 1
Explanation
An adjective referring to the military, the word martial adds a warlike tone to any noun it describes. The word martial derives from Mars, the Roman god of war. It refers to almost much anything military, including "martial law," in which the government orders the military to administer the law. The word definitely makes one think of fighting, as in the physical discipline known as the martial arts. But there is a lighter side to the word, too. Martial music, usually associated with the military, is usually bright and inspiring.
Vocabulary lists containing martial
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
"MMA is my final transition in my combat sports career. I think my success will encourage more athletes to be brave and try mixed martial arts in China," said Cong.
From BBC ● Oct. 3, 2026
He’s not a baseball fan; he prefers beach volleyball and mixed martial arts.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 21, 2026
True, there have been moments in the nation’s martial past when social progress and military resistance sat in uneasy tension.
From Salon ● Sep. 20, 2026
With gameplay based on Chinese martial arts and inspired by wuxia cinema, the development team worked in close collaboration with traditional martial arts schools.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026
“This is not a pure karate class, Ms. Brennan—we incorporate several martial arts. But we do use a little Japanese, so if you don't understand something, always feel free to ask.”
From "Maybe He Just Likes You" by Barbara Dee
Martial arts films portray competition as a means of pushing your opponent to do better, to go further.
From Salon ● May 31, 2026
Martial law was lifted six hours later after lawmakers raced to the assembly building to hold an emergency vote.
From Barron's ● Feb. 19, 2026
Kathleen Coleman, renowned Harvard classicist, points to the words of the Roman poet Martial, who makes reference to Mars and Venus both in armor and women in the arena.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 27, 2026
Most, such as the Gerry Blanck Martial Arts Center, were so-called microbusinesses, with nine or fewer employees, and many were based in people’s homes, said Silvia González, director of research at the institute.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 3, 2025
"We don't have the manpower to break into a Martial prison. We'd risk too much.'' I don't get the chance to protest because Sana's speaking for me. "
From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
