What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
raffle
Example
I won a prize in the school raffle. [raffle: noun]
Example
They raffled off a car at the charity event. [raffled: past tense verb]
lottery
Example
I bought a lottery ticket for the big jackpot. [lottery: noun]
Example
The government uses lottery funds to support education programs. [lottery: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lottery is more commonly used than raffle in everyday language. Lottery is a well-known form of gambling, while raffle is less common and often associated with fundraising events.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between raffle and lottery?
Both raffle and lottery can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, lottery is more commonly used in formal contexts due to its association with government regulation and large sums of money.