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.
The sparkling moments continued with her jewelry — Blunt completed the glam look with diamond jewelry by De Beers, including diamond chandelier earrings in 18-karat white gold and the brand's matching Arpeggia bracelet. Starr Bowenbank, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025 The third is cased in 18-karat pink gold and fitted with a brown dial. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2025 With prices starting at 15,500 euros for the 18-karat gold version, the Chanel Première Bangle is available in the French fashion house’s stores worldwide that carry its horological collections. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025 Its ceilings are gilded in 24-karat gold and the doormen wear white top hats. Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 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 11 Oct. 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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