noun
Uncommon
karate
kuh-RAH-tee
Karate (noun) means a striking-based martial art, originally from Okinawa, built around punches, kicks, and open-hand strikes, along with some throws and grappling. Example: “She has trained in karate since she was six years old.”
noun
1
A striking-based martial art, originally from Okinawa, built around punches, kicks, and open-hand strikes, along with some throws and grappling.
"She has trained in karate since she was six years old."
"His father runs a small karate school above the supermarket."
verb
1
To strike someone or something using karate-style techniques.
"He joked about karate-chopping the stack of firewood in half."
How to use karate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA martial art focused mainly on punching and kicking, developed in Okinawa and later spread through Japan and worldwide.
Common pairings
karate chop
karate class
black belt in karate
practice karate
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- karates
- Past tense
- karated
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She has trained in _____ since she was six years old.
Etymology
From Japanese karate, literally "empty hand" — originally written with characters meaning "China hand" before being reinterpreted to reflect fighting empty-handed, without weapons.
Rhymes for karate
See all rhymes for karate →Frequently asked questions
What does “karate” mean?
The word “karate” means a striking-based martial art, originally from Okinawa, built around punches, kicks, and open-hand strikes, along with some throws and grappling. In plain terms, a martial art focused mainly on punching and kicking, developed in Okinawa and later spread through Japan and worldwide.
How do you pronounce “karate”?
“Karate” is pronounced kuh-RAH-tee (/kəˈɹɑ.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “karate” in a sentence?
Here is “karate” used in a sentence: “She has trained in karate since she was six years old.”
What part of speech is “karate”?
Depending on how it is used, “karate” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “karate” come from?
The word “karate” comes from Japanese. From Japanese karate, literally "empty hand" — originally written with characters meaning "China hand" before being reinterpreted to reflect fighting empty-handed, without weapons.
Is “karate” a common word?
“Karate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “karate” have?
“Karate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a striking-based martial art, originally from Okinawa, built around punches, kicks, and open-hand strikes, along with some throws and grappling.
What is the difference between karate and other martial arts like judo?
Karate is a striking-based martial art built around punches, kicks, and open-hand strikes, with only some throws and grappling. This distinguishes it from grappling-focused arts like judo, which center on throws and holds rather than striking.
Where does karate originate from?
Karate originally comes from Okinawa. It developed as a striking-based system centered on punches, kicks, and open-hand techniques.
Can karate be used as a verb?
Yes, karate can function as a verb meaning to strike someone or something using karate-style techniques, as in 'he karate-chopped the board.' This usage is informal and far less common than the noun form referring to the martial art itself.
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