Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Raffle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🎟️
Add to dictionary

raffle

[ˈræfəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

raffle ticket

A competition in which tickets are sold and a prize or prizes are randomly awarded to one or more ticket holders.

Synonyms

draw, lottery, raffle draw.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
raffle

A raffle is typically a small-scale event where items or prizes are won by buying tickets. It's often used for charity or fundraising at community functions, schools, or clubs.

  • The school organized a raffle to raise money for new playground equipment.
  • I won a gift basket in the charity raffle last night.
lottery

A lottery usually refers to a large-scale gamble where people purchase tickets and the winners are drawn from those tickets. It's often state-run, and the prizes are monetary.

  • He buys a lottery ticket every week hoping to win the jackpot.
  • Winning the lottery could change your life forever.
draw

A draw is a broad term and can refer to any event where names or numbers are pulled at random to decide winners. It is commonly used in various forms of contests or competitions.

  • The company held a draw to decide the winner of the holiday prize.
  • Please enter the draw for a chance to win a weekend getaway.
raffle draw

A raffle draw is a specific event where the winners of a raffle are determined by drawing names or numbers from a pool of ticket holders. It combines elements of both a raffle and a draw.

  • The raffle draw will take place at 8 PM, don't miss it!
  • Tickets are just $5 each for our annual raffle draw.

Examples of usage

  • I bought a raffle ticket for the charity event.
  • The school is holding a raffle to raise money for new equipment.
Context #2 | Verb

raffle off

To dispose of by means of a raffle.

Synonyms

auction, dispose of, sell-off.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
raffle

A raffle is appropriate when you want to raise funds or distribute prizes randomly to participants who have bought tickets. It's commonly used in charity events, school functions, and community gatherings.

  • We organized a raffle to support the local animal shelter.
  • She won a new bike in the charity raffle last night.
auction

An auction is suitable for selling items to the highest bidder. It's often used for valuable or unique items like antiques, art, or property. Auctions can be live, online, or silent.

  • The painting was sold at an auction for a record price.
  • They held an auction to sell off the old office furniture.
sell-off

A sell-off is used when you intend to sell a large inventory of items, often at reduced prices. This can happen for reasons like closing a business, reducing stock, or liquidating assets.

  • They decided to have a sell-off to clear out the remaining stock before closing the store.
  • The company announced a massive sell-off of its surplus equipment.
dispose of

Dispose of is typically used when you need to get rid of something that is no longer wanted or needed. This term implies discarding, throwing away, or dealing with waste, and can sometimes carry a negative connotation.

  • Please dispose of the trash properly.
  • We need to find a way to dispose of these old computers safely.

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to raffle off the old office furniture.
  • She raffled off her collection of rare coins.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Raffles are often used by charities to raise money, as ticket sales can significantly increase donations.
  • In many cultures, raffles are tied to events like fairs or festivals, bringing communities together for fun and fundraising.

Legal Aspects

  • Different regions have various laws governing raffles, especially concerning permits and proceeds, to ensure fairness and transparency.
  • In some places, raffles are classified as a form of gambling and may require licenses to operate legally.

Entertainment Industry

  • Raffles have been featured in movies and television shows as a plot device where characters try to win big prizes.
  • Famous TV game shows often incorporate raffle-like elements, where contestants draw from a pool to win items or cash.

Psychology

  • Participating in a raffle creates excitement due to the possibility of winning, triggering feelings of hope and anticipation.
  • Research shows that people are often more motivated to buy tickets for a raffle if the prizes are framed as experiences rather than material goods.

Origin of 'raffle'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'raffle' comes from the early 19th century, derived from the word 'raff' which means to 'get or take' something at random.
  • Originally, in England, the practice of raffling involved selling tickets and drawing them out to determine the winner.

The word 'raffle' originated from the Middle English word 'raffle', meaning a dice game. It later evolved to refer to a game of chance where prizes are awarded based on randomly drawn tickets. Raffles have been used as a fundraising method for various organizations and events, offering participants the opportunity to win prizes while supporting a cause. The concept of raffling has been present in different cultures throughout history, with variations in rules and prizes.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,096 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.