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

Giorgio Armani trench coat with asymmetrical closure, $5,400, viscose crew neck T-shirt, $675, collarless vest, $3,995, and pleated trousers with elastic waistband, $2,595; Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate in 18-karat red gold, $26,900. —Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2026

The site also shows gram-sized 10- and 14-karat gold bullion sold by independent sellers. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026

On a rebuilding team, coming off a 119-loss season, Karros is intent on being part of the turnaround by playing 24-karat defense at the hot corner and becoming an offensive force — starting this season. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026

Her fine jewelry line’s latest collection played with rare natural woods such as thuya from Morocco, South American snakewood, or white oak hailing from Thailand, paired with 18-karat gold and diamonds. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 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