canasta

noun

ca·​nas·​ta kə-ˈna-stə 

1

: a form of rummy using two full decks in which players or partnerships try to meld groups of three or more cards of the same rank and score bonuses for 7-card melds

2

: a meld of seven cards of the same rank in canasta

Examples of canasta in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Plus, coordinating two decks is a stylish way to play certain games—canasta, anyone? — Belle Duchene, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2023

Few people would brag about owning these road crushers, which were relegated mostly to winter but when more respectable types were stuck at home playing canasta. — Martin Padgett Jr., Car and Driver, 2 Aug. 2023

Just after lunch on weekdays at Anchorage Senior Activity Center, a group of women settles into a cluster of tables in the lobby to play Skip-Bo, dominoes and canasta. — Julia O'Malley, Anchorage Daily News, 17 June 2022

After all, the Italian variety tends to elicit memories of that mauve syrupy schlock nonnas drink playing canasta. — Adam H. Graham, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, literally, basket

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for canasta

• hasta
• rasta
• shasta