definitions

raffle

1
[ raf-uh l ]
/ ˈræf əl /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR raffle ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

verb (used with object), raf·fled, raf·fling.

to dispose of by a raffle (often followed by off): to raffle off a watch.

verb (used without object), raf·fled, raf·fling.

to take part in a raffle.

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RELATED WORDS

sweepstake, draw, flier, pool, stake, sweep, lots, disposition, gambling, speculation, wager, drawing, bet, tossup, gaming, numbers

Nearby words

raffia, raffia palm, raffinate, raffinose, raffish, raffle, raffles, rafflesia, rafinesque, rafraîchissoir, rafsanjani

Origin of raffle

1
1350–1400; Middle English rafle dice game < Middle French, derivative of rafler to snatch; cf. raff

Related forms

raf·fler, nounun·raf·fled, adjective

Definition for raffle (2 of 2)

raffle

2
[ raf-uh l ]
/ ˈræf əl /

noun

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

Origin of raffle

2
First recorded in 1790–1800; raff + -le
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for raffle

British Dictionary definitions for raffle

raffle

/ (ˈræfəl) /

noun

  1. a lottery in which the prizes are goods rather than money
  2. (as modifier)a raffle ticket

verb

(tr often foll by off) to dispose of (goods) in a raffle

Derived Forms

raffler, noun

Word Origin for raffle

C14 (a dice game): from Old French, of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012