karate

noun

ka·​ra·​te kə-ˈrä-tē 

: a Japanese art of self-defense employing hand strikes and kicks to disable or subdue an opponent

karateist

kə-ˈrä-tē-ist 

noun

Examples of karate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Separately, a karate match between Shiv and his friend Simon ends with an injury, sparking a bitter feud between the two families that gradually escalates into a psychological war of revenge. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025

My favorite is the karate chop to the neck by skinny guys like Martin Landau. —Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 2 Mar. 2025

Despite showcasing his karate skills on screen for decades, Macchio admitted to Fox News Digital he’s never been in a fight in real life. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2025

As peace between Daniel, Johnny and various kids of their respective karate schools breaks out, the trailer underlines how their final clash at the Sekai Taikai will return to where the franchise began. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from kara empty + te hand

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for karate

• dotty
• doughty
• draughty
• haughty
• knotty
• naughty
• potty
• scottie
• spotty
• strati
• zloty
• basmati

Kids 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"