karat

noun

kar·​at ˈker-ət 

ˈka-rət

variants or carat

: a unit of fineness for gold equal to 1/24 part of pure gold in an alloy

Examples of karat in a Sentence

She was wearing an 18 karat gold bracelet.

Pure gold is 24 karats.

Recent Examples on the Web

To mark the occasion, the couple exchanged matching, 18-karat gold rings by Cece Jewellery. —Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 14 June 2026

Each of the asymmetrical stones used in the brooches, which were individually polished and finished, were cut specifically for the drawing of the creation with 18-karat yellow gold prongs screwed in to protect the fragile stone tableaus. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 12 June 2026

The Faisceaux brooch—officially added to the V&A’s jewelry galleries in February—is crafted of rock crystal and diamonds, and set in 18-karat rose gold. —Laurie Brookins, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2026

The Princess of Wales’ earrings were crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and featured the brand’s Nile hoop earrings with dangling bee charms. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 4 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English carrat — more at carat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for karat

• buret
• carat
• ferret
• garret
• merit
• parrot
• demerit
• inherit
• preterit
• disinherit

Kids Definition

karat

noun

kar·​at

variants or carat

ˈkar-ət

: a unit of fineness for gold equal to ¹⁄₂₄ part of pure gold in a blend with one or more other metals