Main Entry:

lot·tery

Pronunciation:

\ˈlä-tə-rē also ˈlä-trē\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural lot·ter·ies

Usage:

often attributive

Etymology:

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

Date:

1567

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 something2: an event or affair whose outcome is or seems to be determined by chance