karat

noun

kar·​at ˈker-ət How to pronounce karat (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Serving as a juxtaposition to those signatures, however, is its annual Ice Cube Collection—a monochrome offering in 18-karat ethical white or rose gold with various geometric arrangements of diamonds set in square settings. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2025 Its ceilings are gilded in 24-karat gold and the doormen wear white top hats. Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2025 Made up of eight pieces, the high jewelry capsule’s designs are crafted from 18-karat ethical gold, aligning with Chopard’s Journey to Sustainable Luxury initiative unveiled in 2018. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 13 Sep. 2025 Most designs can be made in 18-karat yellow, white, or rose gold, and platinum. Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for karat

Word History

Etymology

Middle English carrat — more at carat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of karat was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Karat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/karat. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on karat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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