Panama hat

American  

noun

1. a hat made of finely plaited young leaves of the jipijapa, a palmlike plant of Central and South America.

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Panama hat British  

noun

1. Often shortened to: panama.   Panama.  (sometimes not capital) a hat made of the plaited leaves of the jipijapa plant of Central and South America

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Etymology

Origin of Panama hat

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Panama hat

Since then, he often wears a Panama hat.

From Barron's ● Aug. 2, 2026

One recent afternoon at Avenal City Hall, Preciado, wearing a Panama hat and still calling himself mayor, said he would gladly step down—if the courts make him.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

At home, Tamariz trades his usual Panama hat for a brimless cap, giving him the aura of an ancient mystic.

From New York Times ● Jan. 2, 2023

Impeccably dressed in a jacket, crisp shirt and tie, he often wore a Panama hat to accent the outfit.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 6, 2022

She caught a glimpse of his heavy gold watch chain, of his broad- brimmed Panama hat.

From "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry