Main Entry: sweep·stakes

Pronunciation: \-ˌstāks\

Function: noun plural but singular or plural in construction

Inflected Form(s): also sweep–stake \-ˌstāk\

Etymology: Middle English swepestake one who wins all the stakes in a game, from swepen to sweep + stake

Date: 1774

1 a : a race or contest in which the entire prize may be awarded to the winner; specifically : stakes race b : contest, competition
2 : any of various lotteries