karat

noun

kar·​at ˈker-ət How to pronounce karat (audio)
ˈka-rət
variants or
: 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.
The case, integrated bracelet, hands, and hour markers are all crafted from 18-karat yellow gold, which further accentuates the gorgeous green hue. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 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 To complete the warm golden hues, the automatic movement is topped with a 22-karat gold rotor, which glows through the caseback. Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 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 16 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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