karate

noun

ka·​ra·​te kə-ˈrä-tē 

: a Japanese art of self-defense employing hand strikes and kicks to disable or subdue an opponent

karateist

kə-ˈrä-tē-ist 

noun

Examples of karate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are also some genuinely suspenseful beats amid the more outrageous flourishes, which include the killer concealing a chainsaw under their cloak and a karate instructor blaming a violent assault on having ingested bad chop suey. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026

All four children would take karate lessons from Chuck Norris. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2026

Her critique demonstrated true self-awareness that impressed the judges, along with her skills as a director, cinematographer, editor and collaborator — and her 1st Degree Black Belt in karate. — Theresa Walker, Oc Register, 14 May 2026

Shivananjappa described her brother-in-law to the Republic as an avid chess player and champion, as well as a black belt in karate. — Stephanie Innes, USA Today, 13 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from kara empty + te hand

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for karate

• dotty
• doughty
• draughty
• haughty
• knotty
• naughty
• potty
• scottie
• spotty
• strati
• zloty
• basmati

Kids Definition

karate

noun

ka·​ra·​te kə-ˈrät-ē 

: a Japanese art of self-defense without a weapon

Etymology

from Japanese karate, literally, "empty hand"