kata

noun

ka·​ta ˈkä-(ˌ)tä How to pronounce kata (audio)
plural kata or katas
: a set combination of positions and movements (as in karate) performed as an exercise

Examples of kata in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Kwong was also an accomplished martial artist, working in Northern Shaolin kung fu, Chinese kata and with weapons including swords, staffs, spears and nunchaku. Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 Check out Kwong’s demo reel circa 2009 here: Kwong also was an accomplished martial artist, working in Northern Shaolin kung fu, Chinese kata and with weapons including swords, staffs, spears and nunchaku. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 28 May 2025 Who to watch: American athletes to watch include two-time USA karate national champion Ariel Torres for the men’s kata, and seven-time USA national champion Sakura Kokumai for the women’s kata. Emilia Benton, SELF, 14 July 2021 Karate will consist of two events: kata and kumite. BostonGlobe.com, 21 July 2021 See All Example Sentences for kata

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, literally, model, pattern

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kata was in 1945

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Cite this Entry

“Kata.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kata. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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