karate

word

/kɝˈɑti/
kuh-RAH-dee
/kəɹˈɑːti/
kuh-RAH-tee

Definition

A Japanese martial art in which people fight mainly with their hands and feet instead of weapons. It is also practiced as a sport, for self-defense, and for physical and mental discipline.

Usage & Nuances

Usually uncountable: 'He does karate,' not usually 'a karate.' Common verbs are 'do,' 'practice,' and 'learn' karate. Related words include 'karate class,' 'karate belt,' and 'karate tournament.'

Example Sentences

My brother does karate after school.

basic

She quit karate for a while, but now she's training again.

natural

She wears a white belt in karate class.

basic

We watched a karate match on TV last night.

basic

I signed my son up for karate so he could build confidence.

natural

He's really into karate and talks about it all the time.

natural