: 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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There are also some genuinely suspenseful beats amid the more outrageous flourishes, which include the killer concealing a chainsaw under their cloak and a karate instructor blaming a violent assault on having ingested bad chop suey.
—
Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026
All four children would take karate lessons from Chuck Norris.
—Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2026
Her critique demonstrated true self-awareness that impressed the judges, along with her skills as a director, cinematographer, editor and collaborator — and her 1st Degree Black Belt in karate.
—Theresa Walker, Oc Register, 14 May 2026
Shivananjappa described her brother-in-law to the Republic as an avid chess player and champion, as well as a black belt in karate.
—Stephanie Innes, USA Today, 13 May 2026
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Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026
All four children would take karate lessons from Chuck Norris.
—Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2026
Her critique demonstrated true self-awareness that impressed the judges, along with her skills as a director, cinematographer, editor and collaborator — and her 1st Degree Black Belt in karate.
—Theresa Walker, Oc Register, 14 May 2026
Shivananjappa described her brother-in-law to the Republic as an avid chess player and champion, as well as a black belt in karate.
—Stephanie Innes, USA Today, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for karate
Cite this Entry
“Karate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/karate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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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