sensei

noun

sen·​sei ˈsen-ˌsā How to pronounce sensei (audio)
plural sensei or senseis
: a teacher or instructor usually of Japanese martial arts (such as karate or judo)

Examples of sensei in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He’s just learned that the sensei whose teachings shaped his whole worldview was responsible for the death of another fighter, and Mr. Miyagi is really living rent-free in his head. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024 Rivalries aside, there's another major discovery at hand, as Daniel and Chozen Toguchi (Yuji Okumoto) stumble upon another hidden treasure from their former sensei. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 1 July 2024 Gru’s two youngest daughters join a karate class led by an inexplicably hostile sensei (Brad Abelson). Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2024 The Karate Kid alum reprises his role for Cobra Kai's final season as the sensei of a rival dojo. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 1 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for sensei 

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, teacher, master

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensei was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near sensei

Cite this Entry

“Sensei.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensei. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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