: a Japanese art of self-defense employing hand strikes and kicks to disable or subdue an opponent
Examples of karate in a Sentence
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Martin Kove as John Kreese Martin Kove played John Kreese, Johnny's karate mentor, who encourages his students to play dirty and harass Daniel.
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Keith Langston, People.com, 1 June 2025
The movie features kung fu prodigy Li Fong entering the ultimate karate competition, guided by Mr. Han and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso.
—Adam Davidson, NBC news, 30 May 2025
Ralph Macchio is a man of many talents — acting, karate, and ... tap dancing!
—Sharareh Drury, People.com, 3 June 2025
Trash talk and beatdowns commence, all leading to a faceoff in the championship of a local karate tournament.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 June 2025
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Keith Langston, People.com, 1 June 2025
The movie features kung fu prodigy Li Fong entering the ultimate karate competition, guided by Mr. Han and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso.
—Adam Davidson, NBC news, 30 May 2025
Ralph Macchio is a man of many talents — acting, karate, and ... tap dancing!
—Sharareh Drury, People.com, 3 June 2025
Trash talk and beatdowns commence, all leading to a faceoff in the championship of a local karate tournament.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for karate
Cite this Entry
“Karate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/karate. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
karate
noun
ka·ra·te
kə-ˈrät-ē 
: a Japanese art of self-defense without a weapon
Etymology
from Japanese karate, literally, "empty hand"
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