kendo
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of kendo
1920–25; < Japanese kendō, from Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese jiàn “sword” + dào “way”; cf. Bushido, judo, Tao
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.
Classes included economics and English, as well as meditation, calligraphy and kendo, a martial art.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026
"Government agencies for sport and tourism are seeking to promote 'martial arts tourism', not only sumo, but also kendo and karate," he said.
From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026
The ideal is that the separation between kendo opponents, between the person and the sword, between the tea host, the utensils and the guest — all those boundaries disappear.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2024
Sashimi knives and kendo equipment were also added to fires because people thought that the authorities might regard them as Japanese weapons.
From BBC • Feb. 20, 2022
In addition to the regular school sessions and the recreation program, classes of every kind were being offered all over camp: singing, acting, trumpet playing, tap-dancing, plus traditional Japanese arts like needlework, judo, and kendo.
From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston
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.
