tombola: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, neutral
Quick answer
What does “tombola” mean?
A raffle where tickets are drawn from a revolving drum to win prizes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A raffle where tickets are drawn from a revolving drum to win prizes.
Any game of chance involving the drawing of tickets from a container; by extension, a state of chaotic, random mixing or selection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Common in British and Commonwealth English. In American English, the specific concept exists but the term is less common, with 'raffle' or 'lottery' being preferred.
Connotations
British: Evokes church fetes, village fairs, school events, and bingo halls. American: Often perceived as a quaint, British-specific term.
Frequency
High frequency in UK English for the specific event; very low frequency in US general English.
Grammar
How to Use “tombola” in a Sentence
There is a tombola at [EVENT].[ORGANISATION] is running/holding a tombola.I won a [PRIZE] on/in the tombola.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tombola” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll tombola the leftover bottles. (informal, non-standard)
- They tombola'd off a hamper. (informal, non-standard)
American English
- (Not used as a verb.)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as an adjective.)
American English
- (Not used as an adjective.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in event planning or charity fundraising contexts.
Academic
Very rare, except in cultural or sociological studies of leisure activities.
Everyday
Common in UK/Commonwealth for describing local fundraising events.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tombola”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tombola”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tombola”
- Using 'tombola' as a verb (to tombola).
- Confusing spelling: 'tambola', 'tombolla'.
- Using in US contexts without explanation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost, but it specifies a type of raffle where tickets are physically drawn from a spinning drum or container, often at a live event.
It may not be immediately understood by all Americans. Using 'raffle' or explaining it as 'a type of raffle with a drum' is safer.
It derives from Italian 'tombolare' (to tumble), referencing the tumbling of tickets in the drum.
No, this is non-standard, informal usage. The standard phrasing is 'I won a prize on/in the tombola.'
A raffle where tickets are drawn from a revolving drum to win prizes.
Tombola is usually informal, neutral in register.
Tombola: in British English it is pronounced /tɒmˈbəʊ.lə/, and in American English it is pronounced /tɑːmˈboʊ.lə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a complete tombola. (metaphor: a chaotic, random situation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'tumble' + 'bola' (ball). Tickets tumble in the drum like balls.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/EVENT IS A GAME OF CHANCE ("The job allocation was a complete tombola.")
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'tombola' MOST naturally used?