Raffle
/ˈræf.əl/noun
A lottery or drawing in which prizes are won by chance, usually for fundraising.
Did you know?Raffle entered English through French and ultimately traces back to a Germanic root related to grabbing or seizing, which is why the word sits so naturally in the world of chance and prize-taking.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*hrapōną
“to seize, snatch, or grab”
Old French
OF
rafle
“a sweep, haul, or a gambling game involving dice”
Middle French
MF
rafle
“a gaming term for a sweep or take”
18th Century
English
raffle
“a lottery or game in which prizes are distributed by chance”
Modern English
English
raffle
“a lottery or drawing for prizes, often used for fundraising”