kana

noun

ka·​na ˈkä-nə How to pronounce kana (audio)
plural kana
often attributive
: a Japanese system of syllabic writing having characters that can be used exclusively for writing foreign words or in combination with kanji (as for indicating pronunciations or grammatical inflections)
also : a single character belonging to the kana system compare hiragana, katakana

Examples of kana 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 NEAC 2203, released in 1960 by NEC, could handle Roman characters and Japanese kana. Laura Moorhead, WIRED, 24 Apr. 2007

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kana was in 1727

Dictionary Entries Near kana

Cite this Entry

“Kana.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kana. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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