karate

noun

ka·​ra·​te kə-ˈrä-tē How to pronounce karate (audio)
: a Japanese art of self-defense employing hand strikes and kicks to disable or subdue an opponent
karateist noun

Examples of karate in a Sentence

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.
As Daniel learns later, the motions are teaching him muscle memory, not to mention patience, which become critical assets in his karate practice. Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025 Later this year, a martial arts program under the guidance of a Miyakojima karate master will be available, too. Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2025 Cason spent years doing karate at Dojo Karate in nearby Flowery Branch, balancing his pursuit of a black belt with his baseball, basketball, football and track commitments. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2025 When Li enters the Five Boroughs karate tournament, Han ventures to Southern California to find Daniel, thinking the best way for his student to win is to combine kung fu skills with Miyagi karate. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for karate

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from kara empty + te hand

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of karate was in 1926

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Karate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/karate. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

karate

noun
ka·​ra·​te kə-ˈrät-ē How to pronounce karate (audio)
: a Japanese art of self-defense without a weapon
Etymology

from Japanese karate, literally, "empty hand"

More from Merriam-Webster on karate

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