lot
lot Lexical Profile
lot Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
To a great extent or degree; by a large amount (used with the indefinite article as 'a lot', especially to modify verbs or comparative adjectives).
"The patient is feeling a lot better after resting for several days."
• noun
A large number or amount; a great deal (typically used in the singular as 'a lot' or in the plural as 'lots').
"We still have a lot of research to finish before Friday's presentation."
North American A distinct parcel or plot of land having defined boundaries, or an outdoor area dedicated to a specific purpose such as parking vehicles or filming movies.
"They purchased a vacant corner lot with plans to build a small community garden."
An article or set of articles offered for sale as a single unit at an auction, or a batch of goods manufactured together.
"The antique desk and matching chair were sold together as lot number fourteen."
British A particular group, set, or type of people or things (used informally).
"The new trainees are a remarkably enthusiastic lot."
A person's luck, fortune, or situation in life, or an object (such as a slip of paper or straw) drawn at random to make a decision by chance.
"The committee members drew lots to determine the speaking order for the debate."
• pronoun
A large number or amount of people or things (used with the indefinite article as 'a lot' or in the plural as 'lots').
"Many guests were invited to the reception, and a lot arrived early."
• verb
To divide or apportion (land, goods, or items) into distinct lots or parcels, especially for sale or auction.
"The auction house lotted the estate's rare books into thematic sets before publishing the catalog."
Word Nuance & Usage
The two-word phrase 'a lot' (meaning a large amount) is frequently misspelled as the single word 'alot', which is nonstandard, or confused with the verb 'allot' (to distribute or apportion).
• Rhymes for lot
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'hlot', meaning an object used to determine someone's share by chance, as well as the portion or fate itself, from Proto-Germanic *hluta-.