noun Common

Panama

PA-nuh-mah

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Panama (noun) means a lightweight, pale straw hat with a wide brim, traditionally handwoven in Ecuador. Example: “He wore a panama hat to shield himself from the sun.”

noun

A lightweight, pale straw hat with a wide brim, traditionally handwoven in Ecuador.

"He wore a panama hat to shield himself from the sun."

How to use Panama

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA classic woven straw sun hat, despite the name having little to do with where it is actually made.

Common mistake

The hat is traditionally made in Ecuador, not Panama — the name comes from where it became famous, not where it originated.

Common pairings

panama hat

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Panamas

Test yourself on “Panama” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He wore a _____ hat to shield himself from the sun.

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.

Synonyms

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straw hat boater leghorn skimmer sailor

Related words

sailor boater landsman landman landlubber shipman mariner waterman

Rhymes for Panama

ama lama mama kama tama gama Yama Bama Hama Sama llama drama

See all rhymes for 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.

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