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

Embrace the East Coast cliché of baby blue pinstripes and plenty of rattan for your summer setup. —Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026

The woven rattan is weather-resistant, so these chairs are guaranteed to last. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2026

Both the table and couch are made from weather-resistant rattan, and the cushions are 100 percent machine-washable. —Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026

Synthetic wicker is durable enough to be left outside, but natural rattan or wicker should definitely be brought indoors to prevent water damage. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 24 Dec. 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