# nunchaku

> English word · Noun · IPA /nʌnˈtʃækuː/

## Definitions
1. A weapon originating from Okinawa, Japan, consisting of two sticks joined by a chain or cord.
2. The skill of using this weapon in martial arts.

## Etymology
Borrowed from Okinawan 双節棍 (nunchaku) (compare Japanese 双節棍 (nunchaku)), probably from Hokkien 兩節棍 /两节棍 (nn̄g-chat-kùn, literally “two-segment cudgel”), from 兩 /两 (nn̄g, “two”) + 節 /节 (chat, “joint; link; segment”) + 棍 (kùn, “cudgel; stick”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/nunchaku