Search Dictionary
Definition of martial

martial

/ˈmɑːr.ʃəl/
mar · tial
Adverb:martially
JUMP TO:

martial Lexical Profile

martial Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, characteristic of, or suited for war, warriors, or the military life.

Example

"The community center offers evening classes in traditional martial arts to promote physical fitness and self-discipline."

2

Inclined or disposed to fight; aggressive or warlike in temperament.

Example

"Historians often contrast the scholar's peaceful philosophy with the martial spirit of the surrounding empires."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for martial
Antonyms
View all antonyms for martial

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'martial' (relating to war or fighting, as in 'martial law' or 'martial arts') with its homophone 'marshal' (an official or military rank, or a verb meaning to arrange and assemble).

• Rhymes for martial

• Nearby Words

marsupial
mart
marten
martial
martian
martin
martini

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'martial' and directly from Latin 'martialis' ('of or belonging to Mars'), derived from 'Mars' (stem 'Mart-'), the Roman god of war.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Martial. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/martial
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.