NYT Dictionary

KATANA

/kəˈtɑnə/
Nounka-TA-naka-ta-na · 3 syllablesCollege

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2020, 2025, 2026

Meaning

A type of Japanese longsword, having a single edge and slight curvature, historically used by samurai and ninja.

Etymology

Origin: Japanese

Borrowed from Japanese 刀 (katana, “single-edged sword”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

samurai sword

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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