sweepstakes

American  

[sweep-steyks] / ˈswipˌsteɪks /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a race or other contest for which the prize consists of the stakes contributed by the various competitors.

2. the prize itself.

3. a lottery in which winning tickets are selected at random, each winning-ticket number then being matched to one of the horses nominated for or entered in a specific race, and the amounts paid the winners being determined by the finishing order of the horses that run.

4. lottery.

5. any gambling transaction in which each of a number of persons contributes a stake, and the stakes are awarded to one or several winners.

6. a risky venture that promises large rewards.

   the high-tech sweepstakes.

---

Etymology

Origin of sweepstakes

1485–95; earlier swepestake originally, a person who won all the stakes in a game; sweep ¹, stake ², -s ³

Example Sentences

Goodyear offers passenger rides through charity auctions, sweepstakes, corporate partnerships and other invitations, but the opportunities are rare, with only 0.0006% of Americans able to claim they have flown in the famed blimp.

From Los Angeles Times

The measure bans online gaming companies from offering digital sweepstakes that the tribes see as another threat to their exclusive rights to gambling.

From Los Angeles Times

Spencer, who was sixth in last year’s sweepstakes race, led the Mustangs to their fourth straight team championship.

From Los Angeles Times

And Bonta ruled against daily fantasy sweepstakes, reiterating the state’s position on gaming.

From Los Angeles Times

A shot at landing their point guard of the future in the Paige Bueckers sweepstakes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• betting
• chance
• long shot
• odds
• pledge
• risk
• speculation
• stake
• venture
• wager