martial

¹ American  

[mahr-shuhl] / ˈmɑr ʃəl /

adjective

1. inclined or disposed to war; warlike.

   The ancient Romans were a martial people.

2. of, suitable for, or associated with war or the armed forces.

   martial music.

   Synonyms:

   soldierly, military

3. characteristic of or befitting a warrior.

   a martial stride.

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Martial ² American  

[mahr-shuhl] / ˈmɑr ʃəl /

noun

1. Marcus Valerius Martialis, a.d. 43?–104?, Roman epigrammatist, born in Spain.

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Martial ¹ British  

/ ˈmɑːʃəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to Mars

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Martial ² British  

/ ˈmɑːʃəl /

noun

1. full name Marcus Valerius Martialis. ?40–?104 _ad , Latin epigrammatist and poet, born in Spain

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martial ³ British  

/ ˈmɑːʃəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of war, soldiers, or the military life

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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

• martialism noun
• martialist noun
• martially adverb
• martialness noun
• nonmartial adjective
• nonmartially adverb
• nonmartialness noun
• unmartial adjective

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.

Example Sentences

‘Activities like swimming lessons, martial arts, gymnastics or music often build discipline, resilience and life skills that matter just as much as future tuition savings.’

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

But at first glance, much of Al-Kharj's tranquil environment offers few hints of its martial history.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

After 2002, Orbán befriended Árpád Habony, a martial arts instructor and businessman, as his personal guru.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

He needs to see to compete in capoeira martial arts competitions and surf on the weekends, his mother said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Citra came to his aid, trying some Bokator moves she had learned from Scythe Yingxing—and quickly learned that applying a martial art is much different from practice in a dojo.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman