# samurai

/ˈsæmɝˌaɪ/ (US) · /sˈæmjʊɹˌaɪ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/samurai
Updated: 2026-09-27

## Definition

a member of a powerful military class in old Japan. These warriors were famous for their skill with swords and their strict rules of behavior.

For teachers: a member of the hereditary warrior caste in feudal Japan, active from the 12th century until the late 19th century. Governed by the bushido code, which emphasized honor, discipline, and loyalty.

## Examples

- The samurai carried two swords as a sign of his rank.
- Historians study the armor and weapons used by the samurai to understand medieval Japanese warfare.
- The abolition of the feudal system during the Meiji Restoration effectively ended the traditional role of the samurai, forcing many to transition into administrative or business careers.

## Usage notes

- The plural form can be either 'samurai' or 'samurais', though the former is more common in historical contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.