1. a contest or lottery in which prizes are awarded to winners selected by chance from among all participants
Usage: often used with singular verb despite plural form
2. the prize or prizes awarded in such a contest

Examples

• She entered the magazine sweepstakes hoping to win a new car.
• The radio station’s sweepstakes offers a grand prize of $10,000.
• You must be 18 or older to participate in this sweepstakes.
• The sweepstakes winner will be announced next Friday.
• He won the entire sweepstakes and became an instant millionaire.
• The company uses sweepstakes as a marketing tool to attract customers.
• Entry into the sweepstakes is free with no purchase necessary.