raffle

1 of 3

verb

raf·​fle ˈra-fəl 

raffled; raffling ˈra-f(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

: to engage in a raffle

transitive verb

: to dispose of by means of a raffle

raffle off a turkey

raffle

2 of 3

noun (1)

: a lottery in which the prize is won by one of numerous persons buying chances

raffle

3 of 3

noun (2)

: rubbish

especially : a jumble or tangle of nautical equipment

Synonyms of raffle

Noun (2)

• garbage
• debris
• truck
• trash
• junk
• rubbish
• dust
• litter

Examples of raffle in a Sentence

Noun (2)

the front lawn was littered with the raffle that the roofers had left behind

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Many guests didn’t leave empty-handed either, as designer gifts and cash prizes were raffled off. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026

One of his quilts was raffled off at the Angola Prison Rodeo, a biannual public event, and raised $30,000 for the hospice program. — Sea Stachura, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026

Noun

In addition to the superior snacks and sips, guests can bid on and win prizes and participate in raffles, with proceeds supporting The Kitchen House’s mission. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

Scott has previously lent his hand to a video game crossover with Nike, as just 24 pairs of a Dunk Low made with Sony for the launch of the Playstation 5 were made available through a raffle. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English rafle, a dice game, from Middle French, dice game in which all the stakes can be won in a throw, literally, rake for a fire, from Middle High German raffel rake for a fire, from raffen to snatch, gather

Noun (2)

probably from French rafle act of snatching, sweeping, from Middle French, rake for a fire

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1680, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun (1)

1709, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1543, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for raffle

• baffle

Kids Definition

raffle

1 of 2 verb

raf·​fle ˈraf-əl 

raffled; raffling ˈraf-(ə-)liŋ 

: to dispose of by a raffle

raffle off a turkey

raffle

2 of 2 noun

: the sale of chances for a prize whose winner is the one whose ticket is picked at a drawing