karate

noun

ka·​ra·​te kə-ˈrä-tē How to pronounce karate (audio)
: a Japanese art of self-defense employing hand strikes and kicks to disable or subdue an opponent
karateist noun

Examples of karate 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.
Yes, Kreese is still out there, and, yes, these 15 episodes are clearly building toward the Sekai Taikai world karate tournament, which will require a lot of training. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 18 July 2024 Wang is skilled in several forms of martial arts, including karate, wing chun/kung fu, gumdo, kempo and taekwando. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024 The 24-year-old has competed in professional grappling, boxing, and an exhibition karate match. Brian Mazique, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 Bruno has another Elvis story that relates to his love of karate. Pam Windsor, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for karate 

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from kara empty + te hand

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of karate was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near karate

Cite this Entry

“Karate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/karate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

karate

noun
ka·​ra·​te kə-ˈrät-ē How to pronounce karate (audio)
: a Japanese art of self-defense without a weapon
Etymology

from Japanese karate, literally, "empty hand"

More from Merriam-Webster on karate

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!