ninja

nin-ja · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A member of a class of feudal Japanese warriors trained in martial arts and employed especially for espionage and assassinations.

  2. 2.

    (informal) A person who excels at a particular skill or activity, often with speed and skill.

Forms

plural: ninjas

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    ninja skills — Expert abilities, especially in computing or technology.
  • •
    go ninja — To perform something with exceptional skill and stealth.

Related words

See also: martial, samurai, warrior
Synonyms: assassin, shinobi, warrior

Etymology

From Japanese ninja (also shinobi), from nin ("stealth, endurance") + ja ("person"). The word entered English in the 20th century through martial arts and popular culture.