katakana

noun

ka·​ta·​ka·​na ˌkä-tə-ˈkä-nə How to pronounce katakana (audio)
: the form of Japanese syllabic writing used especially for scientific terms, official documents, and words adopted from other languages compare hiragana

Examples of katakana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Mē-mē Bēkari, says the katakana script above, which means the creature must be a sheep. Frances Leech, Longreads, 3 May 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'katakana.' 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, from kata part + kana kana

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of katakana was in 1727

Dictionary Entries Near katakana

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on katakana

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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