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Jackpot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jackpot

[ˈdʒækˌpɒt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

winning money

A jackpot is a large sum of money won in a game of chance, particularly in gambling. It often refers to the top prize in a lottery or slot machine. Jackpots can vary in size and are known for their substantial payouts.

Synonyms

prize, reward, windfall.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jackpot

The top prize in a game of chance, such as a lottery or casino game. It often implies a large amount of money won with a single lucky occurrence.

  • She hit the jackpot in the lottery and won a million dollars.
  • The casino announced a record-breaking jackpot of $10 million.
prize

An award given for winning a competition or achieving something significant. It doesn't always have to be money and can be trophies, medals, or other forms of recognition.

  • He won the first prize in the science fair.
  • The Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to the famous author.
reward

Compensation or an incentive given for completing a task, service, or good behavior. Can be monetary or non-monetary and often has an element of effort or achievement.

  • The company offered a reward for information leading to the capture of the suspect.
  • She was rewarded with a promotion for her hard work.
windfall

An unexpected gain or piece of good fortune, often financial. It usually refers to receiving money without any effort, often suddenly.

  • After winning a huge lawsuit, he received a financial windfall.
  • She got a windfall when her late aunt left her a large inheritance.

Examples of usage

  • The lucky player hit the jackpot and won one million dollars!
  • She couldn't believe her luck when she hit the jackpot at the casino.
  • The jackpot for this week's lottery is a record-breaking amount.
  • Winning the jackpot changed his life forever.
  • Many people dream of hitting the jackpot and becoming millionaires.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In movies and television shows, hitting the jackpot often symbolizes sudden wealth or luck changing overnight.
  • Popular game shows, like 'The Price is Right' or 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?', often feature jackpots as a thrilling part of the game.

Gaming

  • In slot machines, a jackpot usually refers to winning the largest possible payout, often marked with flashing lights and sounds.
  • Progressive jackpots increase in size as more players participate, making the potential win even more enticing.

Psychology

  • The excitement of a potential jackpot can trigger a dopamine release in the brain, creating feelings of pleasure and desire.
  • Players often experience 'near-miss' events in games, which can encourage continued play and hopeful anticipation of a future jackpot win.

History

  • The concept of gambling dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations using various methods to win prizes of value.
  • State lotteries became popular in the United States in the 1960s, with jackpots captivating the public's interest in winning large sums.

Origin of 'jackpot'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originated from the gambling game 'jacks,' where players aimed to reach a large winning score.
  • It was first recorded in the early 20th century, evolving from being a card game-related term to its current usage in slots and lotteries.

The term 'jackpot' originated in the world of gambling in the late 19th century. It is believed to have derived from the poker term 'jacks or better,' where a pair of jacks was the minimum hand required to win a game. Over time, 'jackpot' evolved to represent a large cash prize in various games of chance, becoming synonymous with a significant windfall or reward.

See also: jack, jacket.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,219 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.