Definition

Verb: - To dispose of or give away (an item or prize) by means of a raffle, which is a lottery where people buy tickets for a chance to win something.

Usage

The verb "raffle off" is used to describe the action of using a raffle to give away a specific item. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object (the prize being given away). This phrase is commonly used in contexts of fundraising, charity events, or promotional activities.

Examples

• The school raffled off a new bicycle to raise money for the library.
• They are planning to raffle off a weekend getaway at the annual charity gala.
• We raffled off a gift basket during the intermission of the play.

Advanced Usage

• "to be raffled off": Used in passive constructions to describe the prize.
  • A vintage car will be raffled off at the festival.
• "raffle off for (a cause)": Specifies the purpose of the raffle.
  • The local club raffled off a quilt to raise funds for the animal shelter.

Variants and Related Words

• Raffle (verb): To offer as a prize in a raffle. It can be used similarly to "raffle off," though "raffle off" often emphasizes the act of disposing of the item.
  • They will raffle a car next month.
• Raffle (noun): A lottery in which people buy tickets for a chance to win a prize.
  • I bought three tickets for the charity raffle.

Synonyms

• Auction off: To sell something to the highest bidder in an auction (similar in the context of fundraising, but the method is different).
• Give away: To give something as a gift or prize (a more general term).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Sell off: To sell something, often quickly or to get rid of it.
  • This is a different action (selling vs. a chance-based giveaway).

Related Idioms

• "A chance to win": The core concept behind a raffle.
  • Buy a ticket for a chance to win the grand prize being raffled off.

Verb

1. dispose of in a lottery
   • We raffled off a trip to the Bahamas