jackpot

Definition

A money prize pool which accumulates until the conditions are met for it to be won.

Etymology

Attested as jack-pot (“big prize”), 1944; from sense "slot machine" (1932), from obsolete poker sense (1881) "antes that begin when no player has a pair of jacks or better"; from jack (“playing card”) + pot.

Example Sentences

• "If no player picks all six numbers correctly, the jackpot is rolled over and added to the next week's jackpot; several weeks of rollovers can build up jackpots up to $350 million or more."
• "a juniper jackpot"