black belt

1 of 2

noun (1)

: one who holds the rating of expert in various arts of self-defense (such as judo and karate)
also : the rating itself

black belt

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈblak-ˌbelt How to pronounce black belt (audio)
1
: an area characterized by rich black soil
2
often capitalized both Bs : an area densely populated by Black people
The story of civil rights in Tuskegee is also a study in ambiguity, for it is a history at once unusual and typical of the Southern black belt.— Jim Haskins

Examples of black belt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Longoria’s spin on the dress also featured an exaggerated thin black belt. — Julia Teti, WWD, 19 Mar. 2025 For a few snaps, Sabrina wore a brown blouse with white polka dots tucked into a brown pleated midi skirt with a chunky black belt. — Raven Brunner, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025 Melania paired the blazer with a matching skirt, completing the look with a black belt. — Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025 Elordi kept his look simple at the event, wearing a gray sweater layered over a white shirt and black slacks with a black belt. — Raven Brunner, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for black belt

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1911, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of black belt was in 1832

Rhymes for black belt

See All Rhymes for black belt

Browse Nearby Words

black-bellied whistling-duck
black belt
Black Belt
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Cite this Entry

“Black belt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20belt. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

black belt

noun
: one holding the rating of expert especially in various arts of self-defense (as karate)
also : the rating itself

Geographical Definition

Black Belt

geographical name

strip of rolling prairie land extending across central Alabama and Mississippi with fertile black clayey soil formerly notable for the production of cotton

More from Merriam-Webster on black belt

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about black belt

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