French word

loto

Pronunciation

IPA/loto/

Meaning

  • masculine nounlottery

Example

Elle joue au loto chaque semaine.

She plays the lottery every week.

Illustration for loto (lottery)

More examples

Il a gagné au loto hier soir.

He won the lottery last night.

Core concept

A board of numbers checked as each number is called, until matching numbers earn a prize.

Common phrases

  • jouer au loto

    play the lottery

  • gagner au loto

    win the lottery

  • ticket de loto

    lottery ticket

Similar words

loterie: A lottery organized to raise money or distribute prizes by random selection.
tirage au sort: A random draw used to choose winners or determine the winning outcome.
jeu de hasard: A game or bet in which chance determines the result.
bingo: A participatory game won when numbers or marks form a required pattern.

Definition in French

Jeu de hasard reposant sur un tirage public de numéros, avec des gains attribués aux bons numéros.

Word origin

Italian "lotto" supplied French "loto"; the word is linked to "lot", meaning a share or portion, before referring to play based on drawn numbers.

Usage tips

  • In France, "loto" can also name a small bingo-like event, not only the national number game.

Related words

Word lists with this word