lottery

lot·tery

noun, often attributive \ˈlä-tə-rē also ˈlä-trē\

plural lot·ter·ies

Definition of LOTTERY

1

a : a drawing of lots in which prizes are distributed to the winners among persons buying a chance b : a drawing of lots used to decide something

2

: an event or affair whose outcome is or seems to be determined by chance

Examples of LOTTERY

1. They held a lottery to determine who could get a green card.
2. Room assignments are determined by lottery.
3. Life's a lottery, isn't it? It all depends on luck.

Origin of LOTTERY

Middle French loterie, from Middle Dutch, from lot lot; akin to Old English hlot lot

First Known Use: 1567

Rhymes with LOTTERY

pottery, tottery