What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bingo
Example
Let's play bingo at the senior center tonight. [bingo: noun]
Example
She shouted 'Bingo!' when she completed a row on her card. [bingo: interjection]
lotto
Example
I bought a lotto ticket for tonight's drawing. [lotto: noun]
Example
He won the lotto and became an instant millionaire. [lotto: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bingo is more commonly used and recognized than lotto in everyday language. Bingo is often played as a social activity and is familiar to people of all ages. Lotto, on the other hand, is more commonly associated with gambling and the chance to win a large sum of money.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bingo and lotto?
Both bingo and lotto can be used in informal contexts. However, lotto is more commonly associated with gambling and may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with monetary prizes and government regulation.
