What does roulette mean?
Roulette is a popular game of chance played in casinos and other gaming establishments. The game involves a spinning wheel with numbered pockets and a small ball that is dropped onto the wheel, allowing players to bet on which pocket the ball will land in. The outcome is entirely random, making roulette a thrilling and unpredictable experience for players. The game has become a staple of casino entertainment and is often featured in popular culture. Roulette can also refer to any device or mechanism used to make a random selection, such as an artist's tool for creating patterns.
A game of chance played with a wheel and ball.
"The roulette wheel spun rapidly as the croupier released the ball."
A device or mechanism used to randomly select something.
"The artist used a roulette to create a random pattern on the canvas."
This sense of roulette is less common than the first sense.
The plural form is used when referring to multiple games or devices.
"The casino offered several roulettes with different betting limits."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of roulette
The word 'roulette' originated from the French language, where it is still used today. It is derived from the French word 'roulett', which means 'little wheel'. The game of roulette has its roots in 17th-century France, where it was played with a wheel and ball. Over time, the game spread to other parts of Europe and eventually around the world, becoming a popular form of entertainment in casinos.
Usage notes
Roulette is often associated with casinos and gambling, but it can also refer to any device or mechanism used to make a random selection.