karat

noun

kar·​at ˈker-ət How to pronounce karat (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In addition, the event’s most unusual offering, the 220-pound, 18-karat gold toilet by the conceptual artist and enfant terrible Maurizio Cattelan, only drew a single bid. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025 The starting bid for the 223-pound, 18-karat-gold work was about $10 million. CBS News, 19 Nov. 2025 This approach helped Lil Milan quickly win followers since its official launch in 2017 thanks to the minimal aesthetic of its gold chains, delicate ear cuffs, small hoops and extra-fine rings made in 9- or 18-karat gold and manufactured in Italy. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 18 Nov. 2025 So Arik fashioned the star pitcher a 14 karat gold tennis necklace with over 30 carats of vibrant blue sapphires. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for karat

Word History

Etymology

Middle English carrat — more at carat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of karat was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Karat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/karat. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on karat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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