karate

/kəˈɹɑː.ti/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: karates · karateing · karated

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An Okinawan martial art involving primarily punching and kicking, but additionally, advanced throws, arm bars, grappling and all means of fighting.

Noun

Examples

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Wall taught karate at a local nursing home.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To attack (somebody or something) with karate or similar techniques.

VerbRegister: informal

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “karate” mean?

An Okinawan martial art involving primarily punching and kicking, but additionally, advanced throws, arm bars, grappling and all means of fighting.

Is “karate” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.