NYT Dictionary
KENDO
/ˈkɛndɔ/NounKEN-doken-do · 2 syllablesGrade 12
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2025
Meaning
A Japanese martial art using "swords" of split bamboo.
Etymology
Origin: Japanese
Borrowed from Japanese 剣道 (kendō, “the way of the sword”), from Middle Chinese 劍 (kjæ̀m, “sword”) + 道 (dáu, “way”). Doublet of kumdo.
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle: