lot
lot · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
**(a lot / lots)** A large number or amount.
- 2.
A portion or plot of land.
- 3.
An object used in random selection.
- 4.
A person's destiny or condition in life.
- 5.
A particular group of people or things.
- 6.
An item or set of items for sale at an auction.
- 7.
**(a lot)** To a great extent; very much.
Forms
plural: lots
Phrases & expressions
- •a lot — A large amount; very much.
- •lots of — Many; much.
- •the lot — Everything; all of it.
- •draw lots — Select randomly.
- •parking lot — An area for parking cars.
- •throw in one's lot with — Join; ally with.
- •a bad lot — An untrustworthy person.
- •cast lots — Choose by chance.
Related words
Etymology
From Old English hlot ("lot, portion, choice"), from Proto-Germanic hlutą, related to Old Norse hlutr ("lot, share"). The original sense was "object used for random selection," which extended to "portion allotted."