Lot
/lɒt/
Definitions
4 meaningsA considerable number or amount of something.
/lɒt/
A quantity or collection of things or people.
There was a lot of traffic on the highway.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a bunch of toys – that's a lot! It means a large number or amount of something. Like, "I have a lot of homework today!"
👶 For kids: A lot means a whole bunch of something, like a lot of candy!
More Examples
She has a lot of books in her library.
We're expecting a lot of guests for the party.
How It's Used
"We bought a lot of groceries."
"The company is selling off its old inventory in lots."
An individual item or group of items offered for sale at an auction or other sale.
/lɒt/
An item or a group of items for sale, typically at an auction.
The antique vase was sold as the next lot.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at an auction. Each thing being sold, like a painting or a chair, is called a lot. It's the item up for bidding.
👶 For kids: When grown-ups are selling things, each thing they sell can be called a lot.
More Examples
There are several lots of land available for purchase.
The auctioneer announced the opening bid for lot number 15.
How It's Used
"Lot 23 contains a signed first edition book."
A piece of land, often used for building or other specific purposes.
/lɒt/
A piece of land, especially one used for a specific purpose.
The new school will be built on a vacant lot.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to build a house. You'd need a piece of land, and that land is a lot. It's the area where you put your house (or any building).
👶 For kids: A lot is like a piece of land where you can build a house or play outside!
More Examples
They are planning to divide their property into several lots.
He bought a lot in a desirable neighborhood.
How It's Used
"They built a house on their lot."
To assign or distribute by lot or chance.
/lɒt/
To assign by lot; to cast lots.
The positions were lotted to ensure fairness.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're picking someone at random, like drawing names from a hat. That process, if it's a fair one, is 'lotting' things.
👶 For kids: If you are giving things out by chance, like drawing from a box, then that is lotting
More Examples
They lotted the task assignments among the team members.
The treasure was lotted out by the ship's captain.
How It's Used
"They lotted the spoils of war."
Idioms & expressions
a lot of
A large quantity or number of something.
"I have a lot of friends."
the lot
All of a group of people or things.
"I'm going to sell the lot."
From Middle English *lot*, from Old English *hlot* ('lot, share, portion'), from Proto-Germanic *hlutą* ('lot, share, portion'), from Proto-Indo-European *ḱlew- ('to split, cleave').
The word 'lot' has been used since Old English times, originally referring to a share or portion determined by chance.