Panama
5 synonyms for Panama, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A lightweight, pale straw hat with a wide brim, traditionally handwoven in Ecuador.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use Panama
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
panama hat
Etymology
Named after Panama, the Central American country, because the hats became widely known internationally after being sold to workers building the Panama Canal — even though they are traditionally made in Ecuador.
Full origin of Panama →Frequently asked questions
What does “Panama” mean?
The word “Panama” means a lightweight, pale straw hat with a wide brim, traditionally handwoven in Ecuador. In plain terms, a classic woven straw sun hat, despite the name having little to do with where it is actually made.
How do you pronounce “Panama”?
“Panama” is pronounced PA-nuh-mah (/ˈpænəmɑ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Panama” in a sentence?
Here is “Panama” used in a sentence: “He wore a panama hat to shield himself from the sun.”
What part of speech is “Panama”?
“Panama” is a noun.
Is “Panama” a common word?
“Panama” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is a Panama hat and where does it come from?
A Panama hat is a lightweight, pale straw hat with a wide brim that is traditionally handwoven in Ecuador, despite its name suggesting a Panamanian origin. The hat became associated with Panama because it was widely exported and sold through the country during the construction of the Panama Canal.
Why is a Panama hat called Panama if it is made in Ecuador?
The name comes from the hat's historical association with Panama as a major trading and export point, where the straw hats made in Ecuador were sold internationally, leading to the misleading name that stuck despite the true place of origin.
What material is a Panama hat made from?
A Panama hat is made from finely woven straw, giving it a lightweight feel and pale color suited to warm-weather wear.
