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 gold vermeil, which is sterling silver finished in 24-karat gold, is $230, and there’s a sterling silver version for $200. —Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026

Meticulously carving mother-of-pearl on five different axis, each dial is a series of iridescent, perfectly polished pyramids, amplifying the shine of each 18-karat rose-gold or titanium case, available with or without diamonds upon the bezel. —Charlie Boyd, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026

The 18-karat 5N gold, white ceramic and stainless steel design editions all have a signature deep-blue dial with a sunray finish and Little Prince motifs on the back of their cases. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2026

On view at the RenBen was an example of Therapy (2026), an editioned print on a large sheet of paper on which there is 22-karat gold in the shape of a toilet seat, resurrecting America at a more affordable level; proceeds go to the Renaissance Society. —Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 16 Apr. 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