karat

noun

kar·​at ˈker-ət How to pronounce karat (audio)
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
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.
Don't miss the Art Deco lobby, with its 24-karat gold-leaf ceiling murals and famous starburst bas relief. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026 In addition to the $10,400 steel example, Omega released an iteration in 18-karat Moonshine gold that retails for $49,300. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026 The last solid, 24-karat gold medal to be awarded was at the 1912 Games in Stockholm, according to the International Olympic Committee. Jacqueline Gu, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026 Designed in 18-karat yellow gold with mother-of-pearl and onyx, the brooch is among several Van Cleef & Arpels pieces Queen Camilla has in her personal collection. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for karat

Word History

Etymology

Middle English carrat — more at carat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of karat was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Karat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/karat. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on karat

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