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.

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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

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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

By age 34, he had won six world karate championships.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

He went on to win a black belt, winning karate championships in the 1960s.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

By 1967, with a US karate championship title earned at Madison Square Garden under his belt, Norris was the go-to instructor for celebrities like Steve McQueen, Priscilla Presley and Donny Osmond.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

But she’s also a realistic ideal, unique in her ability to wear, be and do anything – including look after herself, thanks to her karate training.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

None of the karate kickers were on the sidewalk.

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor

Related Words

• judo
• wrestling