black belt

1 of 2

noun (1)

: one who holds the rating of expert in various arts of self-defense (such as judo and karate)

also : the rating itself

black belt

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈblak-ˌbelt 

1

: an area characterized by rich black soil

2

often capitalized both Bs : an area densely populated by Black people

The story of civil rights in Tuskegee is also a study in ambiguity, for it is a history at once unusual and typical of the Southern black belt.

—Jim Haskins

Examples of black belt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The gown, which is presumably Dior given Lopez's one-word caption, is a sheer wrap design with a black belt tied around the waist and silver embellishments in a vertical pattern. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024

The minimalist dress also featured a black belt, which sat above Lawrence's baby bump. —Lori A Bashian Fox News, Fox News, 7 Dec. 2024

Hadid wore her brunette tresses in a sleek bun, adding on a thick black belt, gold hoop earrings and oversize frames. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 11 July 2024

The couple and both of their children are black belts in taekwondo. —Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1911, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

black belt

noun

: one holding the rating of expert especially in various arts of self-defense (as karate)

also : the rating itself

Geographical Definition

Black Belt

geographical name

strip of rolling prairie land extending across central Alabama and Mississippi with fertile black clayey soil formerly notable for the production of cotton