raffia

noun

raf·​fia ˈra-fē-ə How to pronounce raffia (audio)
: the fiber of the raffia palm used especially as cord for tying and weaving

Examples of raffia 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.
And weren’t Gen Z’s own raffia hats woven by rural Malagasies, the very opposite of big corporations? Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2025 The new Luggage silhouettes and leather pochettes referenced Phoebe [Philo]-era minimalism, while structured raffia totes added a fun, collectible edge. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025 Bundle strands of raffia and pinch in the middle. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025 These Mary Jane-style flats from Birdies have a mesh upper so the raffia doesn’t directly touch your foot and won’t cause blisters. Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for raffia

Word History

Etymology

Malagasy rafia

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of raffia was in 1850

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Raffia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raffia. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

raffia

noun
raf·​fia ˈraf-ē-ə How to pronounce raffia (audio)
: fiber from a palm of Madagascar and Africa used as a cord for weaving various articles (as baskets or hats) and for tying
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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