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

In a criminal complaint detailing the charges, Williams was accused of using a thick black belt to strike a 7-year-old child who did not take a nap when told to do so. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2024

Brannigan recommends pairing the style with a black belt and black boots to keep things sleek and monochrome. —Karli Bendlin, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024

Watch on Deadline All the other hopefuls in the casting office start to attack her, leading to another showdown with a group of black belts nearby. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2024

Kentaro held a 4th dan black belt in the discipline at the time. —Stephanie Kaloi, Peoplemag, 10 Aug. 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