: a Japanese art of self-defense employing hand strikes and kicks to disable or subdue an opponent
Examples of karate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Remember that extracurricular options here extend well beyond the usual soccer and karate.
—
The Editors, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2026
The boys played the drums and guitar, took karate and Muay Thai classes.
—Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Ultimately, Latinos are reduced to side characters, save for Benicio del Toro's sardonic karate sensei.
—Gustavo Arellano, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
The organization adds karate to physical education programs in schools across the state of Texas, with character-building lessons built in.
—Emily Trainham , Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026
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The Editors, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2026
The boys played the drums and guitar, took karate and Muay Thai classes.
—Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Ultimately, Latinos are reduced to side characters, save for Benicio del Toro's sardonic karate sensei.
—Gustavo Arellano, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
The organization adds karate to physical education programs in schools across the state of Texas, with character-building lessons built in.
—Emily Trainham , Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for karate
Cite this Entry
“Karate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/karate. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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"
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