rattan

American  

[ra-tan, ruh-] / ræˈtæn, rə- /

Sometimes ratan

noun

1. Also called rattan palm.  any of various climbing palms of the genus Calamus or allied genera.

2. the tough stems of such palms, used for wickerwork, canes, etc.

3. a stick or switch of this material.

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rattan British  

/ ræˈtæn /

noun

1. any of the climbing palms of the genus Calamus and related genera, having tough stems used for wickerwork and canes

2. the stems of such plants collectively

3. a stick made from one of these stems

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Etymology

Origin of rattan

First recorded in 1600–10; by uncertain mediation from Malay rōtan, alleged to derive from rout “scrape off, trim” with -an nominalizing suffix

Example Sentences

But its humble origins—as an open-latticework structure made of rattan bars bound together with balls of hand-tied-twine knots—are evident, underscoring its manufacture and transformation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

We settle into rattan chairs overlooking the South China Sea.

From Salon • Jul. 12, 2025

The slideshow begins with a black-and-white photograph of a man with light hair, a cap and glasses standing behind a tall rattan chair where an older woman is seated.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2025

All have an airy feel, thanks to linen curtains, rattan light fixtures, hardwood floors and views of the Bay of Cannes.

From New York Times • Mar. 27, 2024

Mats cover the cracked concrete floor, making a crazy quilt of colored rattan and woven plastic.

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan