Lottery — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈlä-tə-rē/ lot·tery

Meaning & Definition of Lottery

Lottery (noun)

  1. a drawing of lots in which prizes are distributed to the winners among persons buying a chance
  2. a drawing of lots used to decide something
  3. an event or affair whose outcome is or seems to be determined by chance

Word Forms of Lottery

Inflections: lotteries

Origin & Etymology of Lottery

borrowed from Middle French loterie, probably borrowed from Middle Dutch loterye, from loten "to draw lots" (derivative of lot "lot, prediction, destiny," going back to Germanic *hluta-) + -erye -ery lot:1

First known use: 1567

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Lottery

Words & Phrases Containing Lottery

play the lottery, win the lottery

Frequently Asked Questions about Lottery

What does "Lottery" mean?

"Lottery" means a drawing of lots in which prizes are distributed to the winners among persons buying a chance. As a noun, it is defined as: a drawing of lots in which prizes are distributed to the winners among persons buying a chance. It has 3 distinct senses.

Is "Lottery" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Lottery" is a noun.

Is "Lottery" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Lottery" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Lottery"?

"Lottery" is pronounced /ˈlä-tə-rē/ and divided into syllables as lot·tery.

What is the origin of the word "Lottery"?

"Lottery" comes from borrowed from Middle French loterie, probably borrowed from Middle Dutch loterye, from loten "to draw lots" (derivative of lot "lot, prediction, destiny," going back to Germanic *hluta-) + -erye -ery lot:1. First known use: 1567.

What CEFR level is "Lottery"?

"Lottery" is a B2-level word in SophDict's CEFR vocabulary lists, which group English words from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).

What topics is "Lottery" used in?

"Lottery" is commonly used in topics such as Business & Economics.

What are the forms of "Lottery"?

The word forms of "Lottery" include lotteries.