jackpot

UK: /ˈdʒækpɒt/ US: /ˈdʒækˌpɑt/ ,( jak′pot′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

jack•pot /ˈdʒækˌpɑt/   n. 

[countable* usually singular;
often: the + ~]
1. the chief prize, or all the prizes or money to be won in a game, contest, lottery, or the like:
   a jackpot of one million dollars.
2. an outstanding reward or success:
   Getting that new account was the jackpot.

Idioms

3. Idioms hit the jackpot:
   • to achieve sudden success:
     She felt she'd hit the jackpot when she got the job.
   • to win a jackpot:
     hit the jackpot on a slot machine.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

jack•pot  ( jak′pot′), n. 

1. the chief prize or the cumulative stakes in a game or contest, as in bingo, a quiz contest, or a slot machine.
2. Games [Poker.] a pot that accumulates until a player opens the betting with a pair of predetermined denomination, usually jacks or better.
3. Idioms an outstanding reward or success.
4. hit the jackpot, [Informal.]
   • to achieve a sensational success;
     have sudden luck:
     The firm has hit the jackpot with its new line of computers.
   • to win a jackpot.

• of uncertain origin, originally 1880–85, American.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

jackpot / ˈdʒækˌpɒt/ noun

1. any large prize, kitty, or accumulated stake that may be won in gambling, such as a pool in poker that accumulates until the betting is opened with a pair of jacks or higher
2. hit the jackpot ⇒ to win a jackpot
3. to achieve great success, esp through luck

Etymology: 20th Century: probably from jack¹ (playing card) + pot¹