Definition of "lottery" in English

noun

1. A scheme for the distribution of prizes by lot or chance, especially a gaming scheme in which one or more tickets bearing particular numbers draw prizes, the other tickets are blanks.

   • Dave plays the lottery almost every week, but always picks different numbers.

2. (figuratively) Something decided by chance.

   • It's a bit of a lottery whether we'll get a good table in that diner.

3. (obsolete) Allotment; a thing allotted.