karate

American  

[kuh-rah-tee] / kəˈrɑ ti /

noun

1. a method developed in Japan of defending oneself without the use of weapons by striking sensitive areas on an attacker's body with the hands, elbows, knees, or feet.

2. a sport based on this method of self-defense.

---

karate British  

/ kəˈrɑːtɪ /

noun

1. 1. a traditional Japanese system of unarmed combat, employing smashes, chops, kicks, etc, made with the hands, feet, elbows, or legs

   2. ( as modifier )

      a karate chop to the head

---

Usage

What does karate mean? Karate is a martial art and an unarmed combat and self-defense system that targets weak areas on an attacker’s body by using the hands, arms, legs, and feet to strike with fast, powerful blows. Karate originated in Japan. Like other martial arts, karate is known for emphasizing the mental aspects of the discipline as well as values like courtesy and respect. The learning level of a person who practices karate is signified with a belt. The highest level is black belt. A person who practices or competes in karate can be called a karateka. A karate instructor can be called a sensei, and a school where karate is taught can be called a dojo. Karate is one of the most well-known martial arts. Probably for this reason, the word karate is sometimes used in a very general, casual way as a catchall term for any martial art. Karate is also practiced as a sport in two main forms. Kumite (meaning “sparring”) is the traditional form involving matches between two fighters who spar against each other and are awarded points for landing blows. The other form, kata (meaning “pattern” or “form”), involves individual competitors performing a rehearsed set of karate techniques (called forms) before a panel of judges. Both types were first included as Olympic events in the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021. Example: I signed my kids up for karate so that they can learn self-defense and build their confidence.

Etymology

Origin of karate

1950–55; < Japanese, equivalent to kara empty + te (earlier *tai ) hand(s)

Compare meaning

How does karate compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• kung fu vs. karate

Explanation

Karate is a Japanese martial art, or a sport of hand-to-hand combat. When you learn karate, you practice kicks and blows against an opponent. Karate practitioners use their palms, heels, knees, and elbows to strike their opponents' weak spots, and they block blows to their own bodies. When you do karate, you wear a white belted uniform called a gi, with the color of the belt corresponding to your level of expertise. A black belt signifies the highest level of karate practice. In Japanese, karate means "empty hand."

Example Sentences

Soon, karate students — toddlers, teens and grown-ups — will fill the space, heeding the shouted instructions of their silver-haired sensei, Gerry Blanck.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Norris made more Hollywood contacts after meeting Steve McQueen and teaching him karate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Anderson asked him if would play a karate instructor and sent him a photo of a tiger... in a martial arts kimono.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

Growing up, Malard tried her hand at boxing, karate, judo and handball before discovering football.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

Jerry didn’t know a thing about karate, except in his wildest dreams when he demolished his foes without mercy.

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier

Related Words

• judo
• wrestling