karakul

noun

Synonyms of karakulnext
1
often Karakul : any of a breed of hardy fat-tailed sheep of central Asian origin with a narrow body and coarse wiry fur
2
: the usually curly glossy black coat of a very young karakul lamb valued as fur compare broadtail sense 2, persian lamb sense 1

Illustration of karakul

Illustration of karakul
  • karakul 1

Examples of karakul in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most fur-bearing animals have never been domesticated, which makes raising a fox for the trim of a parka inherently crueler than aborting a karakul lamb for a wool cap, animal rights activists say. Glendale News-Press, 29 Aug. 2019 In their place are elderly, ultra-Orthodox Jews wearing black overcoats and fedoras; south and central Asians with traditional karakul hats; and gaggles of merchants shouting in languages from across the world. Barak Richman, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Jan. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Karakul, village in Uzbekistan

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of karakul was in 1853

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Karakul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/karakul. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

karakul

noun
1
often capitalized : any of a breed of hardy Asian sheep with coarse fur
2
: the usually curly glossy black coat of a young karakul lamb valued as fur

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