jujitsu

noun

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 jujitsu in a Sentence

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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.
This is one of many references Koze has made to Brazilian jujitsu, his most treasured pastime. — Sam Davies, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2025 But the three to four deeply unserious men who appear each season to drone on about crypto, Joe Rogan, and Brazilian jujitsu will get herded away by the captive audience of their dreams and stop wasting a living, breathing woman’s time. — Nic Juarez, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2025 Soon after, Pagan, who has a black belt in jujitsu and runs a defense training business, JEM Solutions, entered the picture. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2025 The two beetles face off in battle, until the first manages to get enough leverage to toss his romantic rival off the stump in a deft display of insect jujitsu. — Ars Technica, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jujitsu

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jujitsu was in 1875

Rhymes for jujitsu

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jujitsu
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“Jujitsu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jujitsu. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

jujitsu

noun
ju·​jit·​su
variants or jujutsu or jiujitsu or jiujutsu
jü-ˈjit-sü
: the Japanese art of unarmed fighting using holds, throws, and paralyzing blows

More from Merriam-Webster on jujitsu

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jujitsu

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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