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

Atop a wooden mezzanine, a rattan back desk sits among chestnut-colored dining chairs.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 16, 2025

She sold flatware, stemware and linens, setting the pieces out on antique furniture — marble topped butcher tables, rattan settees, Art Deco bars — which, because customers asked, she began to sell too.

From New York Times • Apr. 22, 2024

Introducing woven rattan baskets, textured jute rugs and plush wool throws alongside your wooden furniture adds tactile interest and visual warmth to your space.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 12, 2024

The truly daring, however, gamely climbed into a rattan gondola, felt hats or straw bowlers grasped tightly in hand as a hot-air balloon lofted them skyward.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson