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

The symbol has been translated into an 18-karat gold medallion set with cabochon garnets and pavé diamonds, available exclusively at the Mount Street store. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 17 July 2026

That same idea is used in the Excalibur Kabuto Legacy thanks to the tradition of métiers d’art, in which each of the samurai commanders is depicted with a micro-sculpted helmet crafted in 18-karat pink gold. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 17 July 2026

Crafted from stainless steel with a durable 14-karat gold PVD coating that's up to 10 times stronger than traditional plating, these pieces are designed to resist water, sweat, lotions and everyday wear without tarnishing or turning your skin green. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

The Heritage Collector Coins are crafted in 18-karat gold and house an automatic movement. — Roberta Naas, Forbes.com, 4 July 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