adj
Common
random
RAN-duhm
Random (adj) means happening or chosen without any particular pattern, plan, or reason. Example: “They picked a random winner from the entries in a hat.”
adj
1
Happening or chosen without any particular pattern, plan, or reason.
"They picked a random winner from the entries in a hat."
"The security guard did a random bag check at the gate."
"The teacher asked a random pupil to read aloud."
2
Describes an outcome that can't be predicted in advance, though it may follow known odds.
"A coin flip is a classic example of a random event."
"The dice roll produced a random number between one and six."
"The teacher used a random draw to decide who would present first."
3
Informal: odd, unexpected, or unrelated to what came before.
"He said something completely random in the middle of the meeting."
"It was a random coincidence that they both wore the same jacket."
"Sorry, that was a bit random, but I just remembered I left the oven on."
How to use random
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWithout a set pattern or reason — chosen or happening by chance.
Memory tip
In casual speech, "random" can just mean weird or out of nowhere, not truly by chance.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a random sample
completely random
at random
random access
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Word forms
- Plural
- randoms
- Third person singular
- randoms
- Past tense
- randomed
- Comparative
- more random
- Superlative
- most random
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They picked a _____ winner from the entries in a hat.
Etymology
From Old French randon, "rush" or "impetuosity," itself from a verb meaning "to run" — the same root that gives us run.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
nonrandom
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “random” mean?
The word “random” means happening or chosen without any particular pattern, plan, or reason. In plain terms, without a set pattern or reason — chosen or happening by chance.
How do you pronounce “random”?
“Random” is pronounced RAN-duhm (/ˈɹændəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “random” in a sentence?
Here is “random” used in a sentence: “They picked a random winner from the entries in a hat.”
What is another word for “random”?
Words with a similar meaning to “random” include vagrant.
What part of speech is “random”?
“Random” is an adjective.
Where does the word “random” come from?
The word “random” comes from Old French. From Old French randon, "rush" or "impetuosity," itself from a verb meaning "to run" — the same root that gives us run.
Is “random” a common word?
“Random” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “random” have?
“Random” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: happening or chosen without any particular pattern, plan, or reason.
What is the difference between random and arbitrary?
Both lack a clear pattern, but the source differs. Random means governed by chance, with no predictable order, like numbers from a lottery machine. Arbitrary means based on personal whim rather than reason or rule. A random pick is left to luck; an arbitrary one is decided by someone, just without justification.
What is the opposite of random?
Opposites of random include deliberate, planned, systematic, and orderly, all describing things done with intention or a clear pattern. In statistics, the contrast is often 'random' versus 'fixed' or 'determined.' A shuffled deck is random; a deck sorted by suit and number is ordered and predictable.
Can anything be truly random?
It is debated. Everyday 'random' events like dice rolls are really just too complex to predict, so they are effectively, not perfectly, random. Computers use 'pseudo-random' formulas that only imitate randomness. Many scientists hold that true, irreducible randomness exists at the quantum level, where certain outcomes appear genuinely unpredictable.
What is an example of something random?
Rolling dice, drawing lottery numbers, and shuffling a deck of cards are classic examples: no result can be reliably predicted. In casual speech, 'random' also describes something unexpected or out of place, like a random stranger striking up a conversation or a random thought popping into your head.
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