What does martial mean?
Martial describes anything connected with combat, warfare, military affairs, or the disciplined use of physical force. Its best-known use is in "martial arts," where it refers to traditions of fighting, self-defence, and physical training. The word can also characterize a military manner, an austere discipline, or readiness for conflict; in this sense it may suggest toughness and control rather than open hostility. In legal and political contexts, "martial law" denotes government by military authority rather than the ordinary civil legal system. Because martial sounds forceful and formal, it is often more evocative than a plain neutral label such as military. It is therefore useful when the aim is to emphasize the character or atmosphere of combat, while military may be preferable for routine descriptive or administrative contexts.
adjectiveRelating to war, combat, military affairs, or the disciplined use of physical force. In compounds such as "martial arts," it denotes traditions of fighting, self-defence, and physical training.
- Relating to war, combat, military life, or the disciplined use of physical force.
- Denoting a combat discipline, especially in the fixed expression "martial arts."
"The regiment was known for its martial discipline and unyielding courage."
"Martial training emphasized endurance, coordination, and control."
"The novel portrays the officer as stern, rational, and resolutely martial."
Martial traces its name to Mars, the Roman god of war: its sound is military, but its origin is mythological.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does martial come from?
English borrowed the word through French martial, from the Latin adjective martialis, meaning "of Mars" or "of the god of war." The underlying Latin name refers to Mars, the Roman deity associated with warfare, and also gave English the name March. The Latin form martius, meaning "of Mars," is the source from which martial ultimately developed.
Related word forms
How martial is actually used
Martial is formal and often somewhat literary. It can suggest disciplined force, toughness, or readiness for conflict, so it may carry a more evocative tone than the neutral word "military."
Easily confused with martial
"Martial" is an adjective relating to combat or military affairs, whereas "marshal" is a noun for an officer or a verb meaning to organize troops.