random

[ran-duhm]

adjective

1. proceeding, made, or occurring without definite aim, reason, or pattern.

   the random selection of numbers.

   Synonyms: fortuitous, chance, haphazard

2. Statistics.,  of or characterizing a process of selection in which each item of a set has an equal probability of being chosen.

3. Building Trades.

   1. (of building materials) lacking uniformity of dimensions.

      random shingles.

   2. (of ashlar) laid without continuous courses.

   3. constructed or applied without regularity.

      random bond.

4. Slang.

   1. unknown, unidentified, or suspiciously out of place.

      A couple of random guys showed up at the party.

   2. odd or unpredictable, often in an amusing way.

      my totally random life.

noun

1. something that is random, or a random state or condition.

   different statistical methods used to estimate randoms.

2. Slang.

   1. a person or thing that is unknown, unidentified, or suspiciously out of place.

   2. a person or thing that is odd or unpredictable.

3. Chiefly British.,  bank.

adverb

1. Building Trades.,  without uniformity.

   random-sized slates.

random

/ ˈrændəm /

adjective

1. lacking any definite plan or prearranged order; haphazard

   a random selection

2. statistics

   1. having a value which cannot be determined but only described probabilistically

      a random variable

   2. chosen without regard to any characteristics of the individual members of the population so that each has an equal chance of being selected

      random sampling

3. informal,  (of a person) unknown

   some random guy waiting for a bus

noun

1. in a purposeless fashion; not following any prearranged order

random

1. Relating to a type of circumstance or event that is described by a probability distribution.

2. Relating to an event in which all outcomes are equally likely, as in the testing of a blood sample for the presence of a substance.

Other Word Forms

• randomness noun
• randomly adverb
• nonrandom adjective
• nonrandomness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of random¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English raundon, random, from Old French randon, derivative of randir “to gallop,” from Germanic

Word History and Origins

Origin of random¹

C14: from Old French randon , from randir to gallop, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German rinnan to run

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at random, without definite aim, purpose, method, or adherence to a prior arrangement; in a haphazard way.

   Contestants were chosen at random from the studio audience.

see at random.

Example Sentences

“We have to be really careful when we start just using random antiviral drugs that haven’t been studied for safety in cats, because they are so likely to get bad side effects.”

From Los Angeles Times

The folders included many a random blob and splodge, alongside happy snaps of the would-be Picassos making creations only a parent could love.

From BBC

The White House says it intends to replace the current system, a random lottery apportioning available H-1B slots among all applicants, with one favoring applications to fill the highest-paid slots.

From Los Angeles Times

Many posted about receiving broken items, mismatched materials and a random assortment of goods that definitely didn’t amount to the promised $300 value.

From Salon

Ho said it was clear the TV station was not a “random target.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accidental 
• aimless 
• arbitrary 
• incidental 
• indiscriminate 
• irregular 
• odd 
• unplanned