Lottery
/ˈlɒtəri/noun
A game or system in which prizes are distributed by chance, especially through numbered tickets.
Did you know?The core idea behind “lottery” is ancient: it comes from words for a “lot” or assigned portion, a concept used for everything from dividing property to casting decisions by chance.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
hlot
“a lot, share, or object used to determine a person’s portion by chance”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*hlutą
“lot, share, something assigned by casting or drawing”
Late Latin
LL
lottum / loteria (via Romance forms)
“a drawing of lots or allocation by chance”
Middle French
MF
loterie
“the action or practice of drawing lots; a distribution by chance”
Early Modern English
English
lottery
“a game in which prizes are distributed by lot”
Modern English
English
lottery
“a scheme or game in which winners are selected by chance”