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sensei

American  
[sen-sey] / sɛnˈseɪ /

noun

  1. a karate or judo instructor.


Etymology

Origin of sensei

< Japanese: teacher, master, doctor < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese xiānsheng ( xiān ahead + shēng born)

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"One day he stumbles upon a samurai sensei who teaches him...about real discipline and how he can not only protect himself, but protect other people too."

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

That said, it was adorably quaint to see the recent midseason cliffhanger brawl be kicked off by a surly Russian sensei that resembles Zangief from “Street Fighter.”

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2025

You’re probably already somewhat familiar with fourth-act Schwarzenegger, the cuddly sensei.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 6, 2023

It was one of his students, who had a plot of land near Granite Falls that he and his wife wanted to show the sensei.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2023

In fact, Hanako got the feeling the sensei liked her.

From "A Place to Belong" by Cynthia Kadohata