lottery
/ˈlɒt(ə)ri
/noun (plural lotteries)
1A means of raising money by selling numbered tickets and giving prizes to the holders of numbers drawn at random: the introduction of a national lottery [as modifier]: lottery tickets...
- In some countries that hold state lotteries, tickets with number 13 will never be sold.
- All the Eastern States now are running lotteries to raise money in place of taxes.
- Many state lotteries, particularly in Europe, are selling tickets online, and more will join.
Synonyms
raffle, (prize) draw, sweepstake, sweep, bingo, lotto, tombola, drawing of lots, pools;
gamble, speculation, game of chance, competition
1.1 [in singular] A situation whose success or outcome is governed by chance: you can appeal, but the procedure is something of a lottery...
- Student music can often seem like a bit of a gamble, if not a complete lottery, as far as an evening out is concerned.
- After all success with Atlantic Salmon is still the biggest lottery in fishing.
- After that, it is a complete and utter lottery, but Spurs are a good cup team, and definitely worth a pound or two.
Origin
Mid 16th century: probably from Dutch loterij, from lot 'lot'.
Rhymes
- transhumant
- transience
- transiency
- transient
- transient ischaemic attack
- transiently
- transilluminate
- transillumination
- transire
- transistor
- transistorise
- transistorization
- transistorize
- transistor radio
- transit
- transit camp
- transit circle
- transit instrument
- transition
- transitional
- transitionally
- transitionary
- transition curve
- transition element
- transition metal