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.
Four tanzanites ranging in size from 8 to 12 carats adorn the set’s earrings, bracelet, and necklace, each of which is crafted from an elevated mix of platinum, 18-karat yellow gold, rubies, and diamonds. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025 Available in 9-karat and 18-karat yellow and white gold, the pendant and chevalier ring come with a cast kit to take the pet’s nose print, which is then reproduced on the jewels by the brand’s goldsmiths. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025 In Pakistan, her mother told her to set aside any pocket money and, once it’s accumulated, buy 24-karat gold coins. Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025 After all, there are so many intricate and personal details throughout the handcrafted 14-karat white and yellow ring, one filled with more than 450 diamonds and rubies along with the reminders of their latest successful campaign. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 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 24 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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