katana

British  

/ kəˈtɑːnə /

noun

1. a long, curved single-edged sword traditionally used by Japanese samurai

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Etymology

Origin of katana

C18: Japanese

Explanation

A Japanese samurai's curved sword was called a katana. In ancient military battles, katana were used in close combat. Samurai traditionally used two types of weapon, the longer, heavier tachi and the katana. With a single-sided, gently curved steel blade and a long grip, the katana was designed to be held with two hands and used in hand-to-hand combat. After Japan's Edo period, katanas were most often used for martial arts practice and ceremonies. The compound word katana is from kata, "one-sided," and na, "blade."

Example Sentences

But what he really wants is the katana recognised not as an antiquity but as a "masterpiece" of contemporary art.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Toranaga does not charge into the fray on a white horse, his katana dealing death on all sides.

From New York Times • Apr. 23, 2024

“If the katana is too heavy, it will wobble, and it might be a little bit dangerous,” Kawamoto said.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2023

You start off with a simple katana, but Wild Hearts’ “Karakuri” feature lets you build defensive structures, traps and vehicles on the fly.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 13, 2023

They wore matching suits of traditional samurai armor, and each had both a short wakizashi and a longer katana strapped to his belt.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline