First Known Use: 1774
Dictionary
sweepstakes
noun plural but singular or plural in construction sweep·stakes \-ˌstāks\
: a race or contest in which the winner receives all the prize money
also sweep–stake \-ˌstāk\
Full Definition of SWEEPSTAKES
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
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Origin of SWEEPSTAKES
Middle English swepestake one who wins all the stakes in a game, from swepen to sweep + stake
Rhymes with SWEEPSTAKES
SWEEPSTAKES Defined for Kids
sweepstakes
noun plural sweep·stakes \ˈswēp-ˌstāks\
Definition of SWEEPSTAKES for Kids
: a contest in which money or prizes are given to winners picked by chance (as by drawing names) Hint:Sweepstakes can be used as a singular or a plural in writing and speaking.
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