karat

noun

kar·​at ˈker-ət 

ˈka-rət

variants or carat

: a unit of fineness for gold equal to 1/24 part of pure gold in an alloy

Examples of karat in a Sentence

She was wearing an 18 karat gold bracelet.

Pure gold is 24 karats.

Recent Examples on the Web

Here, diamonds bedeck both the initial itself and the charm clasp, because more has always been more, while a cable chain made out of 14-karat white gold guarantees a secure fit (not to mention long-term durability). — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026

Round and pear lab-diamond studs, cast in solid 14-karat gold from 1 to 3 carats are also available. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

Rolex has decked out each piece in either 18-karat yellow gold, Everose or white gold, or 950 platinum, as well as those vibrant gemstones. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2026

Dorsey’s best-selling Rivière necklace in 3mm sapphire in sterling silver costs about $645; moissanite (also in sterling silver) is $949; and diamond (in 14-karat white gold) is $9,064. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English carrat — more at carat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for karat

• buret
• carat
• ferret
• garret
• merit
• parrot
• demerit
• inherit
• preterit
• disinherit

Kids Definition

karat

noun

kar·​at

variants or carat

ˈkar-ət

: a unit of fineness for gold equal to ¹⁄₂₄ part of pure gold in a blend with one or more other metals