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.
Stir in pecans, dates, and raisins. Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026 This is a great sipping rum with notes of black pepper, cinnamon, fig, raisin, molasses, and caramel, and a solid example of how careful cask finishing in the category. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 May 2026 Enjoy this cake filled with raisins, pecans, and shredded carrots. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 May 2026 The kid who grew up in Selma — in the heart of California’s Central Valley, where grapes, raisins and nuts are grown — Cox became the key cultivator of a new crop of Braves, many of whom would shape the Atlanta club for generations. Levi Weaver, New York Times, 14 May 2026 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 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

raisin

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

More from Merriam-Webster on raisin

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster