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

The coach is photographed in a variety of tongue-in-cheek situations such as grilling, taking an ice plunge, beekeeping, working out and doing karate — all while wearing khakis. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

The fights will take all shapes from MMA to boxing, wrestling, jiu jitsu, muay Thai and karate. — Peter White, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

The Harligs decided to establish the Friendship Circle several years later, offering a host of programs designed for people with special needs, including music therapy, karate, dance, arts and crafts and even horseback riding. — Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

Moon then chipped a nifty shot over Sacramento goalkeeper Danny Vitiello before sprinting to the corner kick flag and delivering a flying karate kick that snapped the pole at its base. — Idaho Statesman, 12 July 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"