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

Can a 10th degree black belt get beat by a wrestler? —Rory Doherty, Time, 5 Sep. 2025

Nordstrom Rack Double Keeper Belt Nordstrom Rack is replete with black belts that won’t break the bank — one of them being this slim leather belt with a gold buckle and two gold keepers, which comes in sizes small to extra large. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

Gerber wore a Givenchy dress from the luxury brand’s spring ‘26 collection with a black belt and black clutch, also by Givenchy. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Martin, who holds a black belt in karate and has trained in multiple martial arts disciplines, says MMA has always resonated with him on a personal level. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1911, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for black belt

• heartfelt
• unfelt
• celt
• dealt
• dwelt
• felt
• knelt
• melt
• pelt
• smelt
• spelt
• veldt

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