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.
Kardashian’s necklace was crafted with 18-karat white gold, featured a total of 80 diamonds and was priced at $3 million, according to the brand. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025 Most designs can be made in 18-karat yellow, white, or rose gold, and platinum. Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 That sense of relaxation, of course, extends to its practices; the new opening offers up a slew of facials, including a 24-karat-gold age-defying option, by the minds at Subtle Energies. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2025 Major met the teen at a parking lot to buy a 10 karat nugget ring posted for sale on OfferUp, a mobile platform for buying and selling. Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 21 Aug. 2025 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 13 Sep. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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