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.

---

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

---

jackpot More Idioms  

1. see hit the jackpot.

---

Etymology

Origin of jackpot

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

Example Sentences

But because no one matched all six numbers, the jackpot will grow to an estimated $1.7 billion — scheduled to be drawn on Christmas Eve, game officials announced.

From Los Angeles Times

Décimos come in strips of 10 and when many strips of the same number are sold to a group of neighbours or workmates, there is potential for a massive jackpot.

From BBC

It’s great if you can claim that jackpot all to yourself, but that doesn’t happen all the time.

From MarketWatch

The latest Powerball jackpot is still up for grabs and is expected to reach $1.6 billion Monday, propelling it into the top four of the largest jackpots in the game’s history, officials said Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times

This week, Taylor Swift talked about the Southport stabbing attack, King Charles shared good news about his cancer treatment, and a couple from Wales won a second million-pound lottery jackpot.

From BBC

Related Words

• prize