karate

noun

ka·​ra·​te kə-ˈrä-tē How to pronounce karate (audio)
: a Japanese art of self-defense employing hand strikes and kicks to disable or subdue an opponent
karateist
kə-ˈrä-tē-ist How to pronounce karate (audio)
noun

Examples of karate 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.
All four children would take karate lessons from Chuck Norris. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2026 That’s the kind of time that’s findable between Zoom meetings or in the space of time after one kid’s out the door for swimming and another isn’t back yet from karate. — Literary Hub, 5 May 2026 Shivananjappa described her brother-in-law to the Republic as an avid chess player and champion, as well as a black belt in karate. — Stephanie Innes, USA Today, 13 May 2026 Baker joined Elvis and his entourage on several occasions, even traveling with him on his private jet, and sparring with him in karate. — John Beifuss, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for karate

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from kara empty + te hand

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of karate was in 1926

Rhymes for karate

See All Rhymes for karate

Browse Nearby Words

karatas
karate
karateka
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

karate

noun
ka·​ra·​te kə-ˈrät-ē How to pronounce karate (audio)
: a Japanese art of self-defense without a weapon
Etymology

from Japanese karate, literally, "empty hand"

More from Merriam-Webster on karate

Nglish: Translation of karate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about karate

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