a state in Malaysia, on the SW Malay Peninsula: formerly a part of the British Straits Settlements and of the Federation of Malaya. 640 sq. mi. (1,658 sq. km).
a seaport in and the capital of this state.
Strait of, a strait between Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. 35–185 miles (56–298 km) wide.
the stem of the rattan palm
a walking stick made from this stem
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Indonesia and Singapore vowed on Monday that the Strait of Malacca, a critical oil transit chokepoint in the region, will remain "accessible" even as Iran imposes fees on ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz.
From Barron's ● Jul. 6, 2026
The cost of the Malacca patrol is shared between Asian nations, along with a private Japanese foundation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
Linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Strait of Malacca is the fastest sea lane for energy supplies to move from the Middle East to Asia.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 21, 2026
The country provides China with a route to the Bay of Bengal, reducing Beijing's dependence on the Strait of Malacca for some trade and energy supplies.
From BBC ● Jun. 2, 2026
We sailed from Madras across the Bay of Bengal, down through the Strait of Malacca, around Singapore and up to Manila.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
He signals the band with the mace, a handmade, specially balanced, five-foot-long staff made of lightweight malacca wood wrapped in a gold chain and topped with a golden orb.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 13, 2017
Spruce and quick-witted, whenever he waves his malacca wand he waves it with invariable accuracy at whichever younger brother to Cinderella best deserves the good luck of recognition.
From Time Magazine Archive
Mornings he may be found in the patio of the Hotel Sevilla-Biltmore, habitually hatless, armed with a malacca stick, buttonholing or being buttonholed by this statesman, that sportsman.
From Time Magazine Archive
At last he returned with a gay malacca stick, a piquant cloak and no repentance in his heart, only a desire to have a look at his daughter.
From Time Magazine Archive
The front door opened, and Granddaddy came out onto the porch, an ancient leather satchel strapped over his shoulder, a butterfly net in one hand, and a malacca walking stick in the other.
From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
