rattan

American  

[ra-tan, ruh-] / ræˈtæn, rə- /

Sometimes ratan

noun

1. Also called rattan palm.  any of various climbing palms of the genus Calamus or allied genera.

2. the tough stems of such palms, used for wickerwork, canes, etc.

3. a stick or switch of this material.

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rattan British  

/ ræˈtæn /

noun

1. any of the climbing palms of the genus Calamus and related genera, having tough stems used for wickerwork and canes

2. the stems of such plants collectively

3. a stick made from one of these stems

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Etymology

Origin of rattan

First recorded in 1600–10; by uncertain mediation from Malay rōtan, alleged to derive from rout “scrape off, trim” with -an nominalizing suffix

Example Sentences

But its humble origins—as an open-latticework structure made of rattan bars bound together with balls of hand-tied-twine knots—are evident, underscoring its manufacture and transformation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

Coming in hot at No. 2 in the worst lewks pageant is the neckpiece worn by Nicole Ari Parker’s Lisa Todd Wexley, a chain of rattan spheres resembling a child’s art project.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2025

The slideshow begins with a black-and-white photograph of a man with light hair, a cap and glasses standing behind a tall rattan chair where an older woman is seated.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2025

Picture rattan furniture, blue and white ceramics, and seashell motifs paired with cozy knitted throws and floral prints.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2024

There was a rattan throw mat on the floor.

From "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers