random

1 of 3

adjective

ran·​dom ˈran-dəm How to pronounce random (audio)
1
a
: lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern
b
: made, done, or chosen at random
read random passages from the book
2
a
: relating to, having, or being elements or events with definite probability of occurrence
random processes
b
: being or relating to a set or to an element of a set each of whose elements has equal probability of occurrence
a random sample
also : characterized by procedures designed to obtain such sets or elements
random sampling
randomly adverb

random

2 of 3

noun

: a haphazard course

random

3 of 3

adverb

: in a random manner
Phrases
at random
: without definite aim, direction, rule, or method
subjects chosen at random
Choose the Right Synonym for random

random, haphazard, casual mean determined by accident rather than design.

random stresses lack of definite aim, fixed goal, or regular procedure.

a random selection of books

haphazard applies to what is done without regard for regularity or fitness or ultimate consequence.

a haphazard collection of rocks

casual suggests working or acting without deliberation, intention, or purpose.

a casual collector

Examples of random in a Sentence

Adjective a random sequence of letters A random sample of doctors from around the country were selected for the study. We tasted the wines in random order and then rated each. a random collection of buttons She collects random photographs that she finds in antique shops. Pick a random word on the page. The computer program generates a list of random numbers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
According to the website of California Secretary of State Shirly Weber, who is responsible for overseeing elections in the Golden State, the ballot order is determined by letters being selected at random. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 Motive for shooting unknown Police are investigating whether the victims were random or known to the suspect. Paradise Afshar, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
If approved, Measure EE would establish an independent commission made up of eight people from each district selected at random by the city clerk, and another five at-large members. Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2024 The probability of selecting an unrelated person at random who could be the contributor of the partial major component in this DNA profile is approximately 1 in 550.5 quintillion. CBS News, 17 Aug. 2024
Adverb
There’s one really random one called Mindicine that a postpartum therapist recommended. Collier Meyerson, WIRED, 16 Aug. 2019 See all Example Sentences for random 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'random.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, succession, surge, from Anglo-French randun, from Old French randir to run, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rinnan to run — more at run

First Known Use

Adjective

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1561, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1618, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of random was in 1561

Dictionary Entries Near random

Cite this Entry

“Random.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/random. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

random

adjective
ran·​dom
ˈran-dəm
1
: showing no clear plan, purpose, or pattern
a random arrangement
2
: having a definite and especially an equal probability of occurring
a random number
randomly adverb
randomness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on random

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