sweepstakes

noun

sweep·​stakes ˈswēp-ˌstāks 

also sweep-stake ˈswēp-ˌstāk  ; singular or plural in construction

1

a

: a race or contest in which the entire prize may be awarded to the winner

specifically : stakes race

b

: contest, competition

2

: any of various lotteries

Synonyms

• ball game
• battle
• combat
• competition
• conflict
• confrontation
• contention
• contest
• dogfight
• duel
• face-off
• grapple
• match
• rivalry
• strife
• struggle
• tug-of-war
• war
• warfare

Examples of sweepstakes in a Sentence

in last week's box office sweepstakes a quirky little comedy handily bested Hollywood's latest special effects extravaganza

regards the music awards as nothing more than a popularity sweepstakes

Recent Examples on the Web

To learn more about the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition sweepstakes and all award winners, visit SFChronicle.com/WineComp2023. —San Francisco Chronicle, 25 Jan. 2023

For more information on the auction and sweepstakes, visit charitybuzz.com. —Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 16 May 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English swepestake one who wins all the stakes in a game, from swepen to sweep + stake

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

sweepstakes

noun

sweep·​stakes ˈswēp-ˌstāks 

variants also sweep-stake

-ˌstāk

plural sweepstakes also sweep-stakes

1

a

: a race or contest in which the entire prize may be awarded to the winner

b

: contest entry 2, competition

2

: any of various lotteries