What does raffle mean?
A raffle is a form of lottery in which people buy tickets or enter a draw for the chance to win a prize. Raffles are commonly used to raise money for charities, schools, clubs, and community events, though businesses also use them as promotions. The verb 'raffle' means to offer something through such a draw: an organizer might raffle off a holiday, concert tickets, or a piece of equipment. In the alternative sense, someone who 'raffles' something obtains it by chance, as in winning a prize. The word has a friendly, informal tone and often suggests excitement, suspense, and a mixture of luck and anticipation. Unlike a formal lottery, a raffle is generally associated with a specific event, set of prizes, or charitable purpose, although the distinction is not absolute in everyday usage.
A lottery or contest in which tickets are sold or entries are submitted, and a winner is chosen by chance.
"Tickets for the raffle are available at the entrance."
Frequently used for fundraising draws and community events.
To obtain or win something by chance in a raffle, or to offer something for selection by chance.
"The club is raffling off a new set of sports equipment."
Often used in the phrase 'raffle off', meaning to make something available as a raffle prize.
Used for individual fundraising lotteries or prize draws.
"The organizers held several raffles during the festival."
A raffle turns chance into suspense: everyone holds a ticket, but only one gets the prize.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does raffle come from?
The word entered English in the late 16th century, borrowed from German 'Raffeln', meaning to catch, snatch, or hurry. It originally referred to a hurried or disorderly manner and developed the sense of a lottery or chance selection. The verb meaning to obtain by chance developed in the 18th century, while the sense of conducting a raffle or disposing of prizes by chance became established later.
Related word forms
How raffle is actually used
In British English, 'raffle' is especially common in the sense of a public lottery held to raise money for charity, an event, or an organization. In US English, it is also widely used for promotional prize drawings, including those conducted online or at retail stores. As a verb, 'raffle off' is a common informal collocation meaning to make an item or prize available through a raffle.
Easily confused with raffle
A raffle is a chance-based contest or draw, while a rattle is a sound-producing toy or a series of rapid knocks.