carat

1 of 2

noun (1)

car·​at

variant spelling of karat

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

carat

2 of 2

noun (2)

car·​at ˈker-ət 

ˈka-rət

: a unit of weight for precious stones equal to 200 milligrams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a carat and a karat?

These two words are tricky, as one of them may refer both to the measurement of a precious stone's weight and to the purity of gold, while the other only refers to the purity of gold. Carat may be used for both, but karat is only employed in reference to gold.

What is weighed in carats?

Precious stones are weighed in carats; a single carat is equal to 200 milligrams. Carat is also a variant spelling of karat, which measures the purity (but not the weight) of gold.

How much is a carat?

If carat is serving as a variant spelling of karat, then it is measuring the fineness, rather than the weight, of gold; each carat is equal to 1/24 part of pure gold. If carat is being used in reference to precious stones, it is a unit of weight equal to 200 milligrams.

Examples of carat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Ailsa ring in 18-karat yellow gold and platinum with a diamond of more than six carats and diamonds. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025

Investigators say they are puzzled why the culprits left behind the colossal, 140-carat Regent diamond, which has been valued at $60 million. —Alexander Smith, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2025

Four tanzanites ranging in size from 8 to 12 carats adorn the set’s earrings, bracelet, and necklace, each of which is crafted from an elevated mix of platinum, 18-karat yellow gold, rubies, and diamonds. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025

Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and a diploma. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English carrat measure of fineness in gold, from Middle French carat measure of fineness in gold or of weight in gems, from Italian carato, from Arabic qīrāṭ bean pod, a small weight, from Greek keration carob bean, a small weight, from diminutive of kerat-, keras horn — more at horn

First Known Use

Noun (2)

1555, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for carat

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

Kids Definition

carat

1 of 2

variant of karat

carat

2 of 2 noun

car·​at ˈkar-ət 

: a unit of weight for precious gems (as diamonds) equal to 200 milligrams