ronin

noun

ro·​nin
ˈrōnin
plural ronin also ronins
1
: a vagrant samurai without a master
2
: a Japanese student who has failed a college entrance examination and is studying to take it again

Word History

Etymology

Japanese rōnin

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ronin was in 1863

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near ronin

Cite this Entry

“Ronin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ronin. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!