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

Attorney Scott Rosenblum said in August that his client had won several casino jackpots and when he sought to collect them, the officer who would have supervised the transaction “needlessly” ran a search for warrants.

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

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

“With the new game changes, we’re going to be creating more billionaires, because the jackpot is growing faster,” said Johnston.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• prize