tae kwon do

noun, often capitalized T&K&D \ˈtī-ˈkwän-ˈdō\

: a style of fighting that originated in Korea and that uses kicks and punches but no weapons

Full Definition of TAE KWON DO

: a Korean art of unarmed self-defense characterized especially by the extensive use of kicks

See tae kwon do defined for English-language learners

See tae kwon do defined for kids

Korean t'aekwŏndo, from t'ae- to kick + kwŏn fist + to way

First Known Use: 1967

Next Word in the Dictionary: taelPrevious Word in the Dictionary: taedium vitaeAll Words Near: tae kwon do

What made you want to look up tae kwon do? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears