: any of various Chinese martial arts and related disciplines that are practiced especially for self-defense, exercise, and spiritual growth

Examples of kung fu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Now, that’s a paraphrasing of the story of how Shaolin kung fu started. Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 5 Sep. 2024 Fist of the Condor has the immortal soul of both classic kung fu films and westerns, brought to life in a lean, muscular DIY indie-action movie frame fortified by rich elements unique to Chile. Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2024 Latino youths added a heightened sense of gymnastic movements to the art form, and over time the influence of kung fu movies with swipes and arm movements became a part of it, Mr. Holman says. Ira Porter, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Aug. 2024 Evelyn soon has to jump between universes and inhabit infinite versions of herself, including a kung fu master and a world-famous movie star, to prevent a parallel version of her daughter from destroying the multiverse. Janey Tracey, EW.com, 23 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for kung fu 

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Beijing) gōngfu skill, art

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kung fu was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near kung fu

Cite this Entry

“Kung fu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kung%20fu. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

: a Chinese art of self-defense resembling karate

More from Merriam-Webster on kung fu

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