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.
Prices range from $45 to $400, depending on size and how much 18-karat gold is used for the piece. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 As for accessories, Gomez wore Stevie Hoops Links earrings in 18-karat gold vermeil and cream enamel from Mejuri. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 28 July 2026 The tomb was filled with precious objects, including the imposing golden collar, which according to Artnews, is made of 24-karat gold, weighs roughly one pound, and dates to the sixth century BCE. — News Desk, Artforum, 27 July 2026 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 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

Rhymes for karat

See All Rhymes for karat

Browse Nearby Words

Kara Su
karat
karatas
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Karat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/karat. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of karat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about karat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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