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

Example Sentences

And backers of AI companies have billions, if not trillions, of reasons to hope their gambles aren’t just once-in-a-generation jackpots, but once in a human existence.

From The Wall Street Journal

She also proposed tightening the “serious injury” standard that courts use to determine damages for pain and suffering, which can result in jackpot awards.

From The Wall Street Journal

If one remains hidden among the remaining players at the end, he or she walks off with the entire jackpot, which could be worth up to $250,000.

From Salon

A lucky lottery player in the US state of Arkansas has won the $1.8 billion Powerball prize, the second-largest US lottery jackpot ever won, the gambling game's organizer said on Thursday.

From Barron's

This marks only the second time a Powerball jackpot has been won by a ticket sold in Arkansas, according to the lottery operator.

From BBC

Related Words

• prize