rattan

noun

rat·​tan ra-ˈtan 

rə-

1

: a rattan cane or switch

2

a

: a climbing palm (especially of the genus Calamus) with very long tough stems

b

: a part of the jointed stem of a rattan used especially for furniture, wickerwork, and walking sticks

Examples of rattan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its seat and back are made from gorgeous woven rattan, while its legs are constructed from sturdy aluminum with a woodgrain finish. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Made from woven plastic rattan, this basket is both stylish, sturdy, and easy to clean. —Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2025

The chairs combine an aluminum frame with gorgeous, crisscrossing rattan. —Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 28 Mar. 2025

This comes in four beautiful shades, inspired by the Italian shoreline, and there’s even a touch of rattan for a beachy bedside table moment. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Malay rotan

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Rhymes for rattan

• afghan
• bedpan
• began
• caveman
• chapin
• crankpin
• cyan
• deadpan
• dextran
• divan
• doorman
• fishman

Kids Definition

rattan

noun

rat·​tan ra-ˈtan 

rə-

1

: a climbing palm with very long tough stems

2

: a part of a rattan stem used especially for furniture and wickerwork