What does jackpot mean?
A jackpot is a large prize, particularly the highest or most valuable prize available in a lottery, contest, card game, or similar competition. The expression “hit the jackpot” is especially common for an unexpectedly fortunate discovery or success, not only for winning money: finding a valuable book, securing an ideal job, or making a successful investment can all be described this way. The word also functions informally as a verb, as in a statement that a person or team “jackpotted” by winning a major prize. Although associated chiefly with gambling and competitions, “jackpot” is widely understood in general speech and is not restricted to those contexts. Its strong implication of exceptional good fortune makes it useful for describing a conspicuously fortunate turn of events, often one larger or more timely than the speaker had expected.
A large prize, especially the highest prize available in a lottery, game, or contest; by extension, an unexpectedly fortunate gain or success.
"The charity lottery offers a jackpot of one million dollars."
Commonly used figuratively for a major windfall or an exceptionally fortunate outcome.
To win a large prize or attain an unexpectedly fortunate result.
"The contestant jackpotted with a perfect entry in the final round."
Informal and less common than the idiomatic expression “hit the jackpot.”
The plural is used when referring to several prizes, winnings, or instances of exceptional luck.
"The company offers jackpots to customers who find the missing tokens."
Winning a jackpot is often described as “hitting” it because the phrase grew out of gambling, where fortunes could rise in a single dramatic turn.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jackpot come from?
The word is an English compound of “jack” and “pot,” both of which had established uses in card and gambling terminology. It developed in early gambling contexts, with “pot” referring to the stakes at play, before its use broadened to name major prizes and, figuratively, exceptional strokes of luck. The modern expression “hit the jackpot” has long been used for a sudden and unusually fortunate win.
Related word forms
How jackpot is actually used
The noun is common in both formal accounts of prizes and informal descriptions of remarkable luck. The verb is informal and less frequent than the expression “hit the jackpot.”