What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lotto
Example
I won $100 on the lotto last night! [lotto: noun]
Example
She always plays the lotto on Fridays. [lotto: noun]
Example
He's hoping to win big on the lotto this week. [lotto: noun]
lottery
Example
The lottery jackpot is up to $10 million this week. [lottery: noun]
Example
The state uses the proceeds from the lottery to fund education programs. [lottery: noun]
Example
She bought a lottery ticket and won $500. [lottery: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lottery is more commonly used and recognized than lotto in everyday language, and is often associated with larger-scale games of chance with public funding purposes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lotto and lottery?
Both lotto and lottery are generally considered informal terms, but lottery may be used in more formal contexts due to its association with public funding and regulation.
