Tim AppeloEwen MacaskillMary Anne Weaver
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Martial and Roman Mythology
Mars was the Roman god of war and one of the patron gods of Rome itself. He was responsible for everything military, from warriors to weapons to marching music. Thus, martial arts are skills of combat and self-defense also practiced as sport. When martial law is declared, a country's armed forces take over the functions of the police. And a court-martial is a military court or trial.
Examples of martial in a Sentence
ABC News, 16 May 2026
In the case of mixed martial artists Gina Carano and Ronda Rousey, who meet at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on Saturday in Netflix’s first live MMA broadcast, the rust has been gathering for far longer.
—Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 15 May 2026
The martial artist, 61, worked with the late rapper on two films — 2000's Romeo Must Die and 2003's Cradle 2 the Grave.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Cavemen had clubs, Vikings had axes, but what can the modern man-about-town brandish to continue this martial tradition, while steering clear of city ordinances and the disapproval of his peers?
—Air Mail, 9 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Martial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martial. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Middle English martial "relating to or suited for war," from Latin martialis "of Mars," from Mars "god of war"
Biographical Definition
Martial
biographical name
