noun

nunchaku

nun-CHAK-oo

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Nunchaku (noun) means a weapon from Okinawa made of two sticks joined by a chain or cord. Example: “He practised his strikes with a pair of nunchaku in the gym.”

noun

A weapon from Okinawa made of two sticks joined by a chain or cord.

"He practised his strikes with a pair of nunchaku in the gym."

"The film's hero fought off several attackers using nunchaku."

"She keeps an old set of nunchaku mounted on the wall."

The martial arts skill of using this weapon.

"He has studied nunchaku for over a decade."

"Her nunchaku is impressive to watch in competition."

"The dojo teaches nunchaku alongside other traditional weapons."

How to use nunchaku

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA pair of sticks joined by a cord or chain, used as a martial arts weapon.

When to use it

Nunchaku is a specialist term found mainly in martial arts contexts.

Memory tip

Although the word ends in a vowel sound, its plural is still formed regularly: nunchakus.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

swing nunchaku a pair of nunchaku practise with nunchaku wield nunchaku

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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”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He practised his strikes with a pair of _____ in the gym.

Etymology

The word was borrowed from Okinawan, where it names this two-part weapon. It probably traces back further to Hokkien, where a similar phrase literally meant a two-segment cudgel, built from words for two, joint, and stick.

Origin: Okinawan

Synonyms

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chainsticks

Rhymes for nunchaku

Saku Baku Taku otaku

See all rhymes for nunchaku →

Frequently asked questions

What is a nunchaku?

It is a martial arts weapon made of two sticks connected by a chain or cord, originally from Okinawa, Japan.

Where does the word nunchaku come from?

It was borrowed into English from Okinawan, which in turn likely drew on an older Hokkien phrase meaning a two-segment cudgel.

Is nunchaku singular or plural?

Nunchaku is a singular noun; its plural is nunchakus.

What is the meaning of nunchaku?

"nunchaku" (noun) means a weapon from Okinawa made of two sticks joined by a chain or cord.