sensei
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of sensei
< Japanese: teacher, master, doctor < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese xiānsheng ( xiān ahead + shēng born)
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.
"One day he stumbles upon a samurai sensei who teaches him...about real discipline and how he can not only protect himself, but protect other people too."
From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026
He wanted to be a better person and a sensei worthy of the kids he instructed.
From Salon • Feb. 13, 2025
It was one of his students, who had a plot of land near Granite Falls that he and his wife wanted to show the sensei.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2023
Nivola is the sensei of the local dojo whose cool demeanor and words of wisdom soon give way to a broad parody of toxic masculinity.
From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2023
“Although I’m certain your martial arts sensei is turning in his grave. A spinning kick? How could you?”
From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer
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.
