lottery
7 synonyms for lottery, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A game in which people buy numbered tickets and prizes are awarded to whichever numbers are drawn at random.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lottery
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
win the lottery
lottery ticket
lottery numbers
Etymology
From Italian lotteria, ultimately related to the Old English word "hlot," the ancestor of "lot."
Full origin of lottery →Frequently asked questions
What does “lottery” mean?
The word “lottery” means a game in which people buy numbered tickets and prizes are awarded to whichever numbers are drawn at random. In plain terms, a game of chance with tickets and prizes, or, more loosely, anything decided purely by luck.
How do you pronounce “lottery”?
“Lottery” is pronounced LO-tuh-ree (/ˈlɑtɚi/ in IPA).
How do you use “lottery” in a sentence?
Here is “lottery” used in a sentence: “He won ten thousand dollars in the state lottery.”
What part of speech is “lottery”?
“Lottery” is a noun.
Where does the word “lottery” come from?
The word “lottery” comes from Old English. From Italian lotteria, ultimately related to the Old English word "hlot," the ancestor of "lot.".
Is “lottery” a common word?
“Lottery” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “lottery” have?
“Lottery” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a game in which people buy numbered tickets and prizes are awarded to whichever numbers are drawn at random.
What is the difference between a lottery and a raffle?
Both award prizes by random draw, but a lottery is a game in which people buy numbered tickets and prizes go to whichever numbers are drawn, typically with cash prizes and large-scale organisation. A raffle is usually a smaller event, often run for charity or at a fundraiser, where tickets are drawn for specific donated prizes rather than money.
What is a postcode lottery?
A postcode lottery is a British expression for a situation in which the quality or availability of a service, often healthcare, depends on where you happen to live rather than on need or fairness. It uses lottery in the figurative sense of an outcome decided purely by chance.
Is playing the lottery considered gambling?
Generally, yes. Because players pay for tickets and prizes are awarded to numbers drawn at random, winning depends on chance rather than skill, which is the defining feature of gambling. Lotteries are typically regulated under gambling or gaming laws, though the exact legal treatment varies by country.
