# raffle

/ˈɹæfəɫ/ (US) · /ɹˈæfəl/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/raffle
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a game where people buy numbered tickets for a chance to win a prize. A winner is chosen by picking a ticket at random from a container.

For teachers: a competition in which participants purchase numbered tickets, with one or more being drawn at random to determine the winner of a prize.

## Examples

- I bought three tickets for the school raffle.
- The local charity organized a raffle to raise money for the new community center playground.
- While the grand prize was a luxury cruise, most participants entered the raffle simply to support the foundation's ongoing efforts to provide clean water to rural villages.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the verbs 'hold', 'organize', or 'enter'.

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