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 Who to watch: American athletes to watch include two-time USA karate national champion Ariel Torres for the men’s kata, and seven-time USA national champion Sakura Kokumai for the women’s kata. Emilia Benton, SELF, 14 July 2021 Karate will consist of two events: kata and kumite. BostonGlobe.com, 21 July 2021 Torres competes in the modality kata, which sees competitors perform pre-approved choreographed movements. Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE.com, 7 Aug. 2021 Spaniards Sandra Sánchez and Damián Quintero are kata favorites, while France’s Steven Da Costa, Japan’s Ryutaro Araga and Japan’s Miho Miyahara and Ayumi Uekusa are all kumite medal candidates. Los Angeles Times, 18 July 2021 See all Example Sentences for kata 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kata.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near kata

Cite this Entry

“Kata.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kata. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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