karat

noun

kar·​at ˈker-ət 

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

Founded in Paris in 1797, the maison has spent more than two centuries producing bespoke jewelry timepieces in 18-karat gold and diamonds, serving an international clientele that historically included Empress Joséphine and Queen Victoria. — Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Robinhood-card holders can upgrade the company’s steel Gold Card to a version made entirely of 10-karat gold. — Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026

The piece is crafted in 18-karat gold, lapis lazuli, blue and green agate and white mother-of-pearl. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 July 2026

That same idea is used in the Excalibur Kabuto Legacy thanks to the tradition of métiers d’art, in which each of the samurai commanders is depicted with a micro-sculpted helmet crafted in 18-karat pink gold. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 17 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English carrat — more at carat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for karat

• buret
• carat
• ferret
• garret
• merit
• parrot
• demerit
• inherit
• preterit
• disinherit

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