lotto

[ lot-oh ]

noun

1. a game of chance in which a leader draws numbered disks at random from a stock and the players cover the corresponding numbers on their cards, the winner being the first to cover a complete row.
2. a lottery, as one operated by a state government, in which players choose numbers that are matched against those of the official drawing, the winning numbers typically paying large cash prizes.

lotto

/ ˈlɒtəʊ /

noun

1. Also calledhousey-housey a children's game in which numbered discs, counters, etc, are drawn at random and called out, while the players cover the corresponding numbers on cards, the winner being the first to cover all the numbers, a particular row, etc Compare bingo
2. a lottery

Word History and Origins

Origin of lotto¹

1770–80; < Italian < Germanic; lot

Word History and Origins

Origin of lotto¹

C18: from Italian, from Old French lot, from Germanic. See lot

Example Sentences

Then I checked the machine and found out someone won the lotto,” Karla said.

From Los Angeles Times

"Make sure you play my lottery lotto number," he says.

From Salon

Since then, the Seattle-based poet/artist/curator has loved the lotto.

From Seattle Times

Also being considered is a special lotto game to raise funds.

From Seattle Times

Winner Pharris Frank said he had a premonition of his impending lotto luck.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• gambling
• raffle
• sweepstake