Definition of random
: a haphazard course
at random
: without definite aim, direction, rule, or method subjects chosen at random
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Origin and Etymology of random
Middle English, succession, surge, from Anglo-French randun, from Old French randir to run, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rinnan to run — more at run
First Known Use: 1561
random
Definition of random
1a : lacking a definite plan, purpose, or patternb : made, done, or chosen at random read random passages from the book
2a : relating to, having, or being elements or events with definite probability of occurrence random processesb : being or relating to a set or to an element of a set each of whose elements has equal probability of occurrence a random sample; also : characterized by procedures designed to obtain such sets or elements random sampling
randomly
adverbrandomness
nounExamples of random in a sentence
a random sequence of letters
A random sample of doctors from around the country were selected for the study.
We tasted the wines in random order and then rated each.
a random collection of buttons
She collects random photographs that she finds in antique shops.
Pick a random word on the page.
The computer program generates a list of random numbers.
1619
First Known Use of random
1619
Synonym Discussion of random
random
Definition of random
: in a random manner
1618
First Known Use of random
1618
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
RANDOM Defined for English Language Learners
random
Definition of random for English Language Learners
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: chosen, done, etc., without a particular plan or pattern
RANDOM Defined for Kids
random
playDefinition of random for Students
: lacking a clear plan, purpose, or pattern I read a random selection of poems.
randomly
adverbrandomness
nounLearn More about random
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See words that rhyme with random Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for random Spanish Central: Translation of random Nglish: Translation of random for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of random for Arabic speakers
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