samurai

noun

sam·​u·​rai ˈsa-mə-ˌrī How to pronounce samurai (audio)
ˈsam-yə-
plural samurai
1
: a military retainer of a Japanese daimyo practicing the code of conduct of Bushido
2
: the warrior aristocracy of Japan

Examples of samurai in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This seminal period of transformation marked the moment Japan shifted from samurai rule to rapid modernization and Western influence, following centuries of closed borders. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 Originally conceived in 1997 as a Resident Evil game set in feudal Japan, the first entry in the samurai action adventure series was released early in the PlayStation 2’s life cycle. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026 The protagonist is legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, depicted as a young samurai who arrives in Kyoto determined to prove his superiority with the blade. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Co-created by Amber Noizumi and Michael Green, Blue Eye Samurai follows the story of Mizu, a samurai who conceals her gender and mixed-race heritage after facing a life of discrimination, on a personal quest for revenge. — Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for samurai

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of samurai was in 1727

Rhymes for samurai

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Browse Nearby Words

samum
samurai
Samvat
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Cite this Entry

“Samurai.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/samurai. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

samurai

noun
sam·​u·​rai ˈsam-(y)ə-ˌrī How to pronounce samurai (audio)
plural samurai
: a warrior serving a Japanese feudal lord and practicing a code of conduct which valued honor over life

More from Merriam-Webster on samurai

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about samurai

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