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Jackpot: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "jackpot" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prêmio máximo

🇮🇳 बड़ा इनाम

🇩🇪 Hauptgewinn

🇮🇩 hadiah utama

🇺🇦 джекпот

🇵🇱 główna wygrana

🇯🇵 ジャックポット

🇫🇷 gros lot

🇪🇸 gran premio

🇹🇷 büyük ikramiye

🇰🇷 잭팟

🇸🇦 الجائزة الكبرى

🇨🇿 jackpot

🇸🇰 jackpot

🇨🇳 头奖

🇸🇮 glavna nagrada

🇮🇸 aðalvinningur

🇰🇿 джекпот

🇬🇪 ჯეკპოტი

🇦🇿 cekpot

🇲🇽 gran premio

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.