jackpot

[ jak-pot ]

noun

1. the chief prize or the cumulative stakes in a game or contest, as in bingo, a quiz contest, or a slot machine.
2. Poker. a pot that accumulates until a player opens the betting with a pair of predetermined denomination, usually jacks or better.
3. an outstanding reward or success.

jackpot

/ ˈdʒækˌpɒt /

noun

1. any large prize, kitty, or accumulated stake that may be won in gambling, such as a pool in poker that accumulates until the betting is opened with a pair of jacks or higher
2. hit the jackpot
   1. to win a jackpot
   2. to achieve great success, esp through luck

Word History and Origins

Origin of jackpot¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of jackpot¹

C20: probably from jack ¹(playing card) + pot ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. hit the jackpot, Informal.
   1. to achieve a sensational success; have sudden luck:

      The firm has hit the jackpot with its new line of computers.

   2. to win a jackpot.

More idioms and phrases containing jackpot

see hit the jackpot .

Example Sentences

Cisernos won a $266-million Mega Millions jackpot in 2010, two weeks after being laid off from his job at Frito-Lay.

From Los Angeles Times

Westwick proposed in January, saying he “hit the jackpot” a little more than a year after making their relationship public.

From Los Angeles Times

Kirat Assi thought she'd hit the jackpot when Bobby, a handsome cardiologist, got in touch with her in 2009.

From BBC

He soon hit the jackpot after he found a six-carat diamond, which was worth a fortune 50 years ago.

From BBC

His comment calling vaccines and therapeutics the “jackpot” at a July 17, 2020, virtual rally with Wisconsin voters was typical of his salesmanship.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• prize