A swordsman is someone skilled at fighting with a sword. In historical times, a swordsman might have been a knight defending a castle, a samurai serving a Japanese lord, or a musketeer protecting the king of France. These warriors spent years practicing their techniques, learning footwork, timing, and strategy until handling a sword became second nature.

The word can describe anyone who fights with a sword, but it especially suggests someone with real skill and training. A soldier might carry a sword, but a true swordsman has mastered the art of using it. In stories like The Three Musketeers or The Princess Bride, expert swordsmen duel with grace and precision, their blades flashing as they parry and thrust.

Today, you're most likely to encounter swordsmen in historical movies, books, or in the sport of fencing, where athletes compete using modern versions of swords like foils and sabres. The word emphasizes the martial skill involved: a swordsman knows how to wield a sword with expertise and effectiveness in combat.