jackpot

American  

[jak-pot] / ˈdʒækˌpɒt /

noun

1. the chief prize or the cumulative stakes in a game or contest, as in bingo, a quiz contest, or a slot machine.

2. Poker. a pot that accumulates until a player opens the betting with a pair of predetermined denomination, usually jacks or better.

3. an outstanding reward or success.

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idioms

1. hit the jackpot,

   1. to achieve a sensational success; have sudden luck.

      The firm has hit the jackpot with its new line of computers.

   2. to win a jackpot.

jackpot British  

/ ˈdʒækˌpɒt /

noun

1. any large prize, kitty, or accumulated stake that may be won in gambling, such as a pool in poker that accumulates until the betting is opened with a pair of jacks or higher

2. 1. to win a jackpot

   2. informal to achieve great success, esp through luck

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jackpot More Idioms  

1. see hit the jackpot.

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Etymology

Origin of jackpot

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; of uncertain origin

Explanation

A jackpot is a pile of money won during a game such as a poker. It's also any example of good fortune. Originally, a jackpot was a pile of money in poker that accumulated until someone produced a pair of jacks (or something better). These days, a jackpot is any kind of prize, winnings, or success. If you get a high-paying job, you hit the jackpot. If you married a wonderful person, you hit the jackpot. Sometimes a jackpot is specific to a game, like the money won from a hand of 21, but any good fortune can be considered a jackpot.

Example Sentences

And sometimes — the true jackpot — there’s a crusty half-loaf of sourdough, which instantly checks off one of my weekly anchor ingredients for just a few dollars.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

Clarence Carter challenged himself last year, and he hit the jackpot with the biggest album of his career.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

Paul Davy, 61, helped keep the group of friends connected throughout the years, after many of them left the company, by sending hopeful emails of a big jackpot win.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

For now, all eyes are on litigation involving Nashville-based Atmus Filtration, which hit the legal jackpot when its case emerged as a standard-bearer for how the reimbursement process will be sorted out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

For a few minutes, I feel like we hit the million-dollar jackpot.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

• prize