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.
It’s made of 18/10 stainless steel with 24-karat-gold accents. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 19 June 2026 The most seductive is a spectacular piece called the Untamed, which physically embodies the jeweler’s sensibilities in an 18-karat-white-gold strand of ivy with diamond leaves interspersed with tiny rock-crystal dew droplets. Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 June 2026 To mark the occasion, the couple exchanged matching, 18-karat gold rings by Cece Jewellery. Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 14 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 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 29 Jun. 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

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