noun
Uncommon
jackpot
JAK-pot
Jackpot (noun) means a large cash prize, especially in gambling, that grows until someone wins it. Example: “She hit the jackpot on her first pull of the slot machine.”
noun
1
A large cash prize, especially in gambling, that grows until someone wins it.
"She hit the jackpot on her first pull of the slot machine."
"The lottery jackpot rolled over again this week."
2
Any unexpected and very welcome windfall.
"Finding a rare first edition at the yard sale was a real jackpot."
How to use jackpot
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big prize, especially a growing cash prize in gambling, or more loosely any lucky windfall.
Common mistake
The phrase is "hit the jackpot," not "win the jackpot," though both are understood.
Common pairings
hit the jackpot
win the jackpot
jackpot prize
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Word forms
- Plural
- jackpots
- Third person singular
- jackpots
- Past tense
- jackpotted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She hit the _____ on her first pull of the slot machine.
Etymology
First recorded around 1944 for a big prize; it comes from an earlier poker term for a pot that only opens once a player holds a pair of jacks or better.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for jackpot
See all rhymes for jackpot →Frequently asked questions
What does “jackpot” mean?
The word “jackpot” means a large cash prize, especially in gambling, that grows until someone wins it. In plain terms, a big prize, especially a growing cash prize in gambling, or more loosely any lucky windfall.
How do you pronounce “jackpot”?
“Jackpot” is pronounced JAK-pot (/ˈd͡ʒækpɒt/ in IPA).
How do you use “jackpot” in a sentence?
Here is “jackpot” used in a sentence: “She hit the jackpot on her first pull of the slot machine.”
What part of speech is “jackpot”?
“Jackpot” is a noun.
Where does the word “jackpot” come from?
The word “jackpot” dates back to around 1944. First recorded around 1944 for a big prize; it comes from an earlier poker term for a pot that only opens once a player holds a pair of jacks or better.
Is “jackpot” a common word?
“Jackpot” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “jackpot” have?
“Jackpot” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large cash prize, especially in gambling, that grows until someone wins it.
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