# karate

/kɝˈɑti/ (US) · /kəɹˈɑːti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/karate
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the martial art

noun · CEFR A2

a sport and method of fighting where you use your hands and feet to strike an opponent.

For teachers: an Okinawan martial art primarily involving striking techniques like punching and kicking. Uncountable in its general sense.

- She has been practicing karate since she was six years old and just got her black belt.
- The local community centre offers karate classes for all ages, focusing on both physical discipline and the philosophical foundations of the art.

Usage: Usually used with the verb 'do' or 'practice'.

### 2. to strike someone

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to hit someone or something using karate moves.

For teachers: to attack or strike a person or object using techniques associated with karate. Transitive — requires a direct object.

- In the movie, the hero managed to karate his way through the group of villains.
- The protagonist attempted to karate the locked door open, though he only succeeded in bruising his foot.

Teaching tip: This verbal use is informal and often used humorously or in action-movie contexts; it is not a technical term used by actual martial artists.

## Examples

- She goes to karate class every Tuesday evening.
- After years of training, he finally earned his black belt in karate and began teaching younger students.
- While many people view karate primarily as a method of combat, traditional practitioners emphasize the discipline and mental focus required to master the various forms and movements.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.