rattan

noun rat·tan \ ra-ˈtan , rə- \

|Updated on: 14 Aug 2018

Definition of rattan

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

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Recent Examples of rattan from the Web

The criss-cross rattan takes the starch out of a formal bed frame shape without sacrificing any drama.

— joanna linberg, Sunset, "10 Stunning Rattan Pieces for Your Home," 22 Jan. 2018
Way-Cool Wicker Wickerwork in natural rattan and its synthetic cousin (for outdoors) was prevalent.

— sarah medford, WSJ, "The 5 Hottest Trends from Milan’s 2018 Furniture Fair," 27 Apr. 2018
Leave a Note Palapa villas with lots of wood and rattan are connected by meandering pathways at this property formerly called The Tides.

— Condé Nast Traveler, "Viceroy Riviera Maya," 20 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rattan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.