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

It might be for a raffle or something like that.

From 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.

From Salon

Mr Steele won by matching the raffle code on the EuroMillions Millionaire Maker - a unique code on each ticket which is entered into a raffle, with a top prize of £1m.

From BBC

He said he was writing another adventure, and even suggested a raffle might give someone the chance to name a character after themselves.

From BBC

Punters buy raffle tickets in the hope that they will be the lucky one to choose the correct key, open the box and snaffle the prize money.

From BBC

Related Words

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