# Panama

/ˈpænəˌmɑ/ (US) · /pˈænəmˌɑː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/panama
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the country

noun · CEFR B1

a country in Central America that has a famous canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

For teachers: a republic in Central America, situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America.

- Many ships travel through the canal in Panama to save time on their journey.
- The strategic importance of Panama increased significantly after the completion of the canal, which revolutionized global maritime trade routes.

### 2. a type of hat

noun · CEFR B2

a light-coloured hat made from straw that people often wear in hot weather.

For teachers: a traditional brimmed straw hat of Ecuadorian origin, typically made from the plaited leaves of the toquilla palm plant.

- He wore a white linen suit and a panama to stay cool at the garden party.
- The gentleman adjusted his panama to shield his eyes from the midday sun while strolling along the promenade.

Usage: Often capitalized as 'Panama hat' but can appear in lowercase when referring to the style.

## Examples

- The ship traveled through Panama to reach the other ocean.
- Many international companies choose to base their regional headquarters in Panama due to its central location and modern infrastructure.
- The strategic importance of Panama was cemented by the completion of the canal, which fundamentally altered global trade routes by eliminating the need for the long journey around Cape Horn.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.