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.
What a bourbon this is, with notes of chocolate, apple, maple, plum, strawberry, raw grain, spice, bubble gum, oak, raisin, and just a touch of dragon fruit on the palate. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 22 Dec. 2025 Instead of raisins, this recipe calls for flaked coconut, which adds both texture and sweetness. Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025 Traditionally, the dish was made with raisins, which the British referred to as plums. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025 Put the cauliflower florets in a food processor, cover and pulse until they’re ground to coarse bits, about the size of raisins, not like fine, riced cauliflower. Francesca Giuliani Hoffman, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 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 29 Dec. 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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