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Definition of kendo

kendo

/ˈkɛndoʊ/
ken · do
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kendo Lexical Profile

kendo Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A modern Japanese martial art and combat sport descended from traditional swordsmanship, in which two participants wearing protective armor use two-handed bamboo staves (shinai) to score points on designated target areas.

Example

"She began practicing kendo at her university club to improve her focus, posture, and physical discipline."

• Rhymes for kendo

• Nearby Words

kempty
ken
ken river
kendo
kennebec
kennedia
kennedy

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 20th century from Japanese kendō, a compound of ken ('sword') and dō ('way' or 'path'). It evolved as a modern martial sport from kenjutsu, the traditional swordsmanship practiced by samurai.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Kendo. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 2, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/kendo
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