jiujitsu

1 of 2

noun (1)

jiu·​jit·​su jü-ˈjit-(ˌ)sü How to pronounce jiujitsu (audio)

less common spelling of jujitsu

: an art of weaponless fighting employing holds, throws, and paralyzing blows to subdue or disable an opponent

jujitsu

2 of 2

noun (2)

ju·​jit·​su
variants or less commonly jujutsu or jiujitsu
jü-ˈjit-(ˌ)sü How to pronounce jujitsu (audio)
: an art of weaponless fighting employing holds, throws, and paralyzing blows to subdue or disable an opponent

Examples of jiujitsu 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.
Noun
Ramsey was put through intensive physical training, such as boxing, jiujitsu and weight training. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025 Like wrestling, jiujitsu emphasizes takedowns, control and submission holds instead of punches or kicks. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
Lou long ago gave up the sport but Mario still practices jujitsu. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026 In jujitsu, fighters don’t strike. — Radostina Purvanova, The Conversation, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for jiujitsu

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Japanese jūjutsu, from jū weakness, gentleness + jutsu art, skill

First Known Use

Noun (2)

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jiujitsu was in 1875

Rhymes for jiujitsu

See All Rhymes for jiujitsu

Browse Nearby Words

jittery
jiujitsu
Jiulong
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jiujitsu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jiujitsu. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

jiujitsu

variants or jiujutsu

variant of jujitsu

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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gambol

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All