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.
That was the sort of thing only Michiko-sensei could come out with. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025 The sensei’s quarterback, Jackson Brousseau, got sacked six times. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025 One of their students is the 18-year-old granddaughter of Iglesias’ sensei, Roberto Sanchez. — Miami Herald, 26 June 2026 The outlet reported that the comedy film was set to center a group of nerds learning martial arts and follow the relationship that forms between the students and their karate sensei. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026 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

Rhymes for sensei

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Browse Nearby Words

senseful
sensei
senseless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensei.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensei. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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