karat

noun

kar·​at ˈker-ət How to pronounce karat (audio)
ˈka-rət
variants or carat
: a unit of fineness for gold equal to 1/24 part of pure gold in an alloy

Examples of karat in a Sentence

She was wearing an 18 karat gold bracelet. Pure gold is 24 karats.
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.
Released in 2020, the chronograph is a sumptuous mix of black and 18-karat 5N gold. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2026 In August, with the threat of steep tariffs looming, Cook gave Trump a plaque with a 24-karat gold bar as a base, when the pair announced Apple planned to invest $100 billion in domestic manufacturing. Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026 At a ceremony announcing the commitment in August, Cook gifted Trump a customized glass plaque mounted on a 24-karat gold stand. Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026 The duchess wore the 14-karat gold version (a splurge at $1,100), but there are more accessible options that still feel special. Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for karat

Word History

Etymology

Middle English carrat — more at carat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of karat was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Karat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/karat. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

karat

noun
kar·​at
variants or carat
ˈkar-ət
: a unit of fineness for gold equal to ¹⁄₂₄ part of pure gold in a blend with one or more other metals

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