What does tombola mean?
A tombola is a type of lottery or raffle in which prizes are awarded through a random drawing. It is commonly used as a fundraising tool by charities, schools, and other organizations. The game involves the sale of tickets or entry forms, each bearing a unique number, which are then drawn at random to determine the winners. Tombolas can feature a wide range of prizes, from small items to luxury goods. The event is often held in a public setting, such as a festival or fair, and can be an entertaining way to raise money for a good cause. Overall, tombola is a useful term to know, especially for those interested in events and activities that involve fundraising or community engagement.
nounA tombola is a form of lottery in which prizes are allocated by a random drawing from a collection of numbered tickets or balls. It is often used as a fundraising event.
- A game of chance
- A fundraising event
"The charity organized a tombola at the festival, with prizes ranging from gift cards to luxury items."
"The school's annual tombola was a huge success, raising thousands of dollars for new equipment."
"The tombola at the fair featured prizes donated by local businesses."
The plural form is used when referring to multiple instances of the game or event.
"The organization hosted several tombolas throughout the year, each with its own unique prizes and themes."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of tombola
The word 'tombola' is believed to have originated in the 18th century, possibly from the Italian 'tombolare', meaning 'to fall', or the Latin 'tumulus', meaning 'mound' or 'heap'. The exact etymology is unclear, but it is thought to be related to the idea of drawing tickets or balls from a container.
How tombola is actually used
Tombola is often used in British English, while in US English, 'raffle' is more commonly used. The term can also refer to the actual prizes or tickets used in the game.