Lottery definition
A contest in which tokens are distributed or sold, the winning token or tokens being secretly predetermined or ultimately selected in a random drawing.
noun
An activity or event regarded as having an outcome depending on fate.
They considered combat duty a lottery.
noun
A game of chance in which people buy numbered tickets, and prizes are given to those whose numbers are drawn by lot: often sponsored by a state or organization as a means of raising funds.
noun
A selection made by lot from a number of applicants or competitors.
The state uses a lottery to assign spaces in the campground.
noun
The definition of a lottery is a game of chance where money is raised by selling tickets that offer a chance to win a big prize, or a drawing.
The PowerBall where you buy a ticket for $1 and have a chance of winning millions is an example of a lottery.
The drawing for the opportunity to purchase a limited available season tickets is an example of a lottery.
noun
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Any undertaking that involves chance selections, as by the drawing of lots.
Military draft lottery.
noun
(figuratively) An affair of chance.
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
lottery
Plural:
lotteriesOrigin of lottery
- French loterie probably from Dutch loterije from Middle Dutch from lot lot
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- from Italian lotteria, from the same root as Old English hlot (cognate with lot).
From Wiktionary