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.
Kuina is teaching karate at her father’s dojo, Heiya is an influencer, Aguni is running the Hatter’s hat shop, and Niragi is trying to be better for his kid. Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Sep. 2025 DiCaprio is an ex-revolutionary stoner seeking his missing daughter, del Toro is a helpful karate sensei, and my colleague Bryan Alexander talked with them about their scenes together, including one where del Toro drove with extreme caution with DiCaprio having climbed out an open window. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025 Suit linings are slashed in reference to kimono sleeves, while some jackets are wrapped like karate uniforms. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025 Martin, who holds a black belt in karate and has trained in multiple martial arts disciplines, says MMA has always resonated with him on a personal level. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 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 5 Oct. 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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