raisin

noun

rai·​sin ˈrā-zᵊn How to pronounce raisin (audio)
: a grape of any of several varieties that has been dried in the sun or by artificial heat

Examples of raisin 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.
Enjoy this cake filled with raisins, pecans, and shredded carrots. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025 Small pieces can be choking hazards and ingredients like chocolate, raisins and xylitol are dangerous for your pet to eat, so keep your candy bowl far out of reach. Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025 Both dark seedless raisins and sultanas (golden raisins) come from Thompson Seedless grapes, a light green–gold variety. Lauren O'Connor, Health, 28 Oct. 2025 Combine rice, milk, raisins, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in the cooker. Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for raisin

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, grape, raisin, from Latin racemus cluster of grapes or berries — more at raceme

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of raisin was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Raisin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raisin. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

raisin

noun
rai·​sin ˈrāz-ᵊn How to pronounce raisin (audio)
: a grape usually rich in sugar that has been dried

Geographical Definition

Raisin

geographical name

Rai·​sin ˈrā-zᵊn How to pronounce Raisin (audio)
river about 115 miles (185 kilometers) long in southeastern Michigan flowing into Lake Erie

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