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

The stones appear to be set in either an 18-karat white gold or a platinum band. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026

The link bracelet, which is crafted in 10-karat yellow gold, features a polished ID plate engraved with Presley’s name. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Jan. 2026

Adorned with 3,000 pendants, including 2,000 in signature Baccarat red crystal from fusing clear crystal with 24-karat gold powder, the opulent work of art is cradled by 15-foot installation and available for public viewing and viral social media moments day and night. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2026

This Kendra Scott pendant necklace is 14-karat-gold-plated and is a bestseller on Amazon. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2025

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