lottery

[ lot-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural lot·ter·ies.

1. a gambling game or method of raising money, as for some public charitable purpose, in which a large number of tickets are sold and a drawing is held for certain prizes.
2. any scheme for the distribution of prizes by chance.
3. any happening or process that is or appears to be determined by chance:

   to look upon life as a lottery.

lottery

/ ˈlɒtərɪ /

noun

1. a method of raising money by selling numbered tickets and giving a proportion of the money raised to holders of numbers drawn at random
2. a similar method of raising money in which players select a small group of numbers out of a larger group printed on a ticket. If a player's selection matches some or all of the numbers drawn at random the player wins a proportion of the prize fund
3. an activity or endeavour the success of which is regarded as a matter of fate or luck

Other Words From

• anti·lotter·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lottery¹

First recorded in 1560–70, lottery is from the Middle Dutch word loterie (whence also French loterie ). See lot, -ery

Word History and Origins

Origin of lottery¹

C16: from Old French loterie, from Middle Dutch loterije. See lot

Example Sentences

The Sparks, who had the worst record in the league last season, land second overall pick despite 44.2% chance to win the draft lottery.

From Los Angeles Times

The home secretary has promised to end a "postcode lottery" in policing, as she set out plans to overhaul the work of forces in England and Wales.

From BBC

Twin sisters living with heart failure are calling for an end to what they say is a postcode lottery when it comes to accessing services to help with their condition.

From BBC

The student body was diverse by design, selected from the Gainesville area by a lottery.

From New York Times

The postcode lottery of perinatal services is stark.

From BBC

Related Words

• gambling
• raffle
• sweepstake