rattan

noun

rat·​tan ra-ˈtan How to pronounce rattan (audio)
rə-
1
: a rattan cane or switch
2
a
: a climbing palm (especially of the genera Calamus and Daemonorops) with very long tough stems
b
: a part of the jointed stem of a rattan used especially for furniture, wickerwork, and walking sticks

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Made with durable rattan and a sturdy steel frame, the set includes a loveseat, two armchairs, and a coffee table, providing ample seating in a compact space. Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2023 Currently $630 off, it's made from durable polyethylene rattan and topped with plush cushions for you and your guests to relax on. Samantha Jones, goodhousekeeping.com, 26 May 2023 They’re made from an iron frame and water-resistant wicker and rattan. Shari Uyehara, NBC News, 5 Mar. 2021 In the wide upstairs hallway, Todd placed an 1815 Portuguese daybed, made of rosewood and rattan, and covered it in raw silk. Tessa Watson, ELLE Decor, 22 Mar. 2023 This stylish chaise looks like natural rattan but is actually made of aluminum with wicker and resin to withstand all types of summer weather. Rena Behar, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2023 The outdoor section blends seamlessly with the interior thanks to the shades of terra cotta, saddle brown and tan mixed with white, along with seating made of leather, wood and rattan. Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 1 Mar. 2023 Glossy black rattan in a top handle silhouette is sophistication in a carryall. Town & Country, 8 Feb. 2023 Woven rattan is studded with glistening studs, and there’s further textural detail thanks to the inner silk drawstring purse and the oversized beaded-come-crystal handle. Felicity Carter, Forbes, 19 Apr. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rattan.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Malay rotan

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of rattan was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near rattan

Cite this Entry

“Rattan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rattan. Accessed 5 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

rattan

noun
rat·​tan ra-ˈtan How to pronounce rattan (audio)
rə-
1
: a climbing palm with very long tough stems
2
: a part of a rattan stem used especially for furniture and wickerwork

More from Merriam-Webster on rattan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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