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

Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook presented the president with a 24-karat-gold base to hold a glass sculpture. — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026

Then there’s the ring—old mine cut, somewhere between seven and 13 karats, depending on who’s guessing. — Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 1 Aug. 2026

Prices range from $45 to $400, depending on size and how much 18-karat gold is used for the piece. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

As for accessories, Gomez wore Stevie Hoops Links earrings in 18-karat gold vermeil and cream enamel from Mejuri. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 28 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