adj
random
RAN-duhm
adj
1
Happening or chosen without any particular pattern, plan, or reason.
"They picked a random winner from the entries in a hat."
"The security guard did a random bag check at the gate."
2
Describes an outcome that can't be predicted in advance, though it may follow known odds.
"A coin flip is a classic example of a random event."
"The dice roll produced a random number between one and six."
3
Informal: odd, unexpected, or unrelated to what came before.
"He said something completely random in the middle of the meeting."
"It was a random coincidence that they both wore the same jacket."
How to Use Random
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWithout a set pattern or reason — chosen or happening by chance.
Memory tip
In casual speech, "random" can just mean weird or out of nowhere, not truly by chance.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a random sample
completely random
at random
random access
Word Forms
more random comparative, randomed past tense, randoms plural, randoms singular, most random superlative
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They picked a _____ winner from the entries in a hat.
Etymology
From Old French randon, "rush" or "impetuosity," itself from a verb meaning "to run" — the same root that gives us run.