adj Common

martial

MAH-shuhl

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Martial (adj) means relating to war, fighting, or the armed forces; warlike or military in character. Example: “The museum has a fine collection of martial arts equipment and ancient swords from many countries.”

adj

Relating to war, fighting, or the armed forces; warlike or military in character.

"The museum has a fine collection of martial arts equipment and ancient swords from many countries."

"The country was placed under martial law during the coup."

"His martial bearing made him stand out even out of uniform."

"He was lying on the table with head pillowed on the broken concertina and body sheltered with the Federal Flag, looking like a martial corpse. He did not wake properly till Blossom dragged him to the tap outside and turned the water on him." — Xavier Herbert, Dawn of a New Era (1938)

How to use martial

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving to do with war, soldiers, or the military — most often seen in phrases like "martial law" and "martial arts."

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "marshal" (a rank or job, or the verb meaning to organize) — the words are pronounced almost the same.

Easily confused with

marshal → marital →

Common pairings

martial law martial arts martial bearing

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: martials
Comparative: more martial
Superlative: most martial

Test yourself on “martial” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The museum has a fine collection of _____ arts equipment and ancient swords from many countries.

Etymology

From Latin martialis, "of Mars," the Roman god of war — the same root that gives us the planet Mars.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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military warlike combative soldierly bellicose militant soldierlike warriorlike

Antonyms

pacific peaceable

Related words

yes happy military forces army peace sad calm

Rhymes for martial

dial trial aerial serial filial denial medial racial social burial facial menial

See all rhymes for martial →

Frequently asked questions

What does “martial” mean?

The word “martial” means relating to war, fighting, or the armed forces; warlike or military in character. In plain terms, having to do with war, soldiers, or the military — most often seen in phrases like "martial law" and "martial arts.".

How do you pronounce “martial”?

“Martial” is pronounced MAH-shuhl (/ˈmɑɹʃəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “martial” in a sentence?

Here is “martial” used in a sentence: “The country was placed under martial law during the coup.”

What part of speech is “martial”?

“Martial” is an adjective.

Where does the word “martial” come from?

The word “martial” comes from Latin. From Latin martialis, "of Mars," the Roman god of war — the same root that gives us the planet Mars.

Is “martial” a common word?

“Martial” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between martial and marital?

Martial means relating to war, fighting, or the armed forces, while marital means relating to marriage. The two differ by a single letter swap and are commonly confused in writing; remember martial as in Mars and martial arts, and marital as in marriage.

Why are martial arts called martial?

Martial means warlike or relating to fighting, so martial arts are literally 'arts of combat.' The label covers disciplines such as karate, judo, and taekwondo that systematize fighting techniques, even when they are practiced today mainly as sport or self-defense.

What is martial law?

Martial law is the temporary imposition of direct military control over normal civilian functions, usually during an emergency such as war, invasion, or serious unrest. The phrase uses martial in its core sense of 'relating to the armed forces.'

Is martial related to Mars?

Yes. Martial comes from Latin and is connected with Mars, the Roman god of war, which is why it describes anything warlike or military in character. The adjective 'Martian,' by contrast, refers to the planet Mars.

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