Search Dictionary
Definition of karate

karate

/kəˈrɑːti/
ka · ra · te
JUMP TO:

karate Lexical Profile

karate Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An unarmed martial art and combat sport originating in Okinawa, Japan, characterized by disciplined striking techniques using the hands, elbows, knees, and feet, as well as blocking maneuvers.

Example

"She earned her black belt in karate after years of dedicated practice at the local dojo."

• Rhymes for karate

• Nearby Words

karakoram
karaoke
karat
karate
karisimbi
karkheh
karlovsko praskalo

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-20th century from Japanese karate (空手), literally meaning 'empty hand,' from kara ('empty') and te ('hand'). The art originated in the Ryukyu Kingdom (modern-day Okinawa) and was originally written with characters meaning 'Tang (Chinese) hand' before being standardized in the 1930s.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Karate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 4, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/karate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.