Panama hat

American  

noun

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

---

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

---

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

Himself a distinct figure, with his Panama hat, mustached grin and ubiquitous cigar, Brito first spotted Valenzuela when he was pitching for Guanajuato in 1978.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2024

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

Later in the afternoon a tall white man wearing a cool white suit, a Panama hat, and white shoes came toward me.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright