kata

noun

ka·​ta ˈkä-(ˌ)tä How to pronounce kata (audio)
plural kata or katas
: a set combination of positions and movements (as in karate) performed as an exercise

Examples of kata in a Sentence

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.
The 21-year-old Japan striker points at her elbow (Hiji in Japanese), then shoulders (kata), as fans cheer. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025 Kwong was also an accomplished martial artist, working in Northern Shaolin kung fu, Chinese kata and with weapons including swords, staffs, spears and nunchaku. Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 Check out Kwong’s demo reel circa 2009 here: Kwong also was an accomplished martial artist, working in Northern Shaolin kung fu, Chinese kata and with weapons including swords, staffs, spears and nunchaku. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 28 May 2025 Bronze medalist for the U.S. though Monday evening were: Paige Pearce (archery, target, compound women); Tozaki Gajuki (karate, kata, individual men); Trinity Allen (karate, kumite, 55kg women); and Kamran Madani (karate, kumite, 84 kg women). Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al, 12 July 2022 See All Example Sentences for kata

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, literally, model, pattern

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kata was in 1945

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kata.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kata. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on kata

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!