raffle

¹

[raf-uhl]

noun

1. a form of lottery in which a number of persons buy one or more chances to win a prize.

verb (used with object)

raffled, raffling 

1. to dispose of by a raffle (often followed byoff ).

   to raffle off a watch.

verb (used without object)

raffled, raffling 

1. to take part in a raffle.

raffle

²

[raf-uhl]

noun

1. rubbish.

2. Nautical.,  a tangle, as of ropes, canvas, etc.

raffle

/ ˈræfəl /

noun

1. 1. a lottery in which the prizes are goods rather than money

   2. ( as modifier )

      a raffle ticket

verb

1. to dispose of (goods) in a raffle

Other Word Forms

• raffler noun
• unraffled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of raffle¹

1350–1400; Middle English rafle dice game < Middle French, derivative of rafler to snatch; raff

Origin of raffle²

First recorded in 1790–1800; raff + -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of raffle¹

C14 (a dice game): from Old French, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

The event featured live music, and organizers raffled off 10 turkeys.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The authorities in the French capital launched a lottery on Monday, offering 30 monuments for sale in a raffle -- 10 at Pere-Lachaise, 10 at Montparnasse and 10 at Montmartre.

Read more on Barron's

A couple who won a £6m mansion in a raffle have been told they will finally be given the keys - after a planning row was settled.

Read more on BBC

It might be for a raffle or something like that.

Read more on BBC

Between Thursday, June 19, and Sunday, June 22, participating chefs and restaurants throughout Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego are presenting unique pies to be sold or raffled whole or by the slice.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• betting www.thesaurus.com
• game of chance 
• sweepstake