a method of raising money by selling numbered tickets and giving a proportion of the money raised to holders of numbers drawn at random
2.
a similar method of raising money in which players select a small group of numbers out of a larger group printed on a ticket. If a player'sselection matches some or all of the numbers drawn at random the player wins a proportion of the prize fund
3.
an activity or endeavour the success of which is regarded as a matter of fate or luck
Word origin
C16: from Old French loterie, from Middle Dutch loterije. See lot
Examples of 'lotteries' in a sentence
lotteries
The argument that lotteries can help to raise standards is thin.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Even head teachers are not entirely happy with the results of lotteries.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Lotteries tend to be over pretty quickly.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Lotteries are just the start of it.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The law says that lotteries cannot be run for private or commercial gain.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
In a recession, when more lives are uncertain, lotteries always thrive.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Real lotteries, not just those that come up with a number 27.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Probably set up a campaign against lotteries.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Lotteries and scratch cards were used by only six per cent.
The Sun (2017)
The lists are shared with fraudsters who run bogus lotteries and timeshare rip-offs.