lotto

American  

[lot-oh] / ˈlɒt oʊ /

noun

1. a game of chance in which a leader draws numbered disks at random from a stock and the players cover the corresponding numbers on their cards, the winner being the first to cover a complete row.

2. a lottery, as one operated by a state government, in which players choose numbers that are matched against those of the official drawing, the winning numbers typically paying large cash prizes.

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lotto British  

/ ˈlɒtəʊ /

noun

1. Also called: housey-housey.  a children's game in which numbered discs, counters, etc, are drawn at random and called out, while the players cover the corresponding numbers on cards, the winner being the first to cover all the numbers, a particular row, etc Compare bingo

2. a lottery

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Etymology

Origin of lotto

1770–80; < Italian < Germanic; see lot

Example Sentences

It’s not known how long other Affinity-owned properties in the area, such as the popular Lotto Store on the California side of the border, will continue to operate.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

When the exchanges turn stocks into daily Lotto games, those bets will be profitably absorbed by sophisticated dealers, especially Citadel, Susquehanna, and Wolverine.

From Barron's • Dec. 10, 2025

A spokesperson said earlier: "We expect to complete tonight's Lotto draw and publish the verified results on national-lottery.co.uk later this evening and apologise for the delay."

From BBC • Oct. 25, 2025

The operator added that Saturday's £7.4 million Lotto jackpot had also been claimed by a single ticket-holder.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2025

“I think he’s talking about Lotto numbers,” I explain.

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini

Related Words

• gambling
• raffle
• sweepstake