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
But with so many suppliers, oversight can seem random. Qadri Inzamam Saumya Khandelwal, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2024 Attackers armed with guns and incendiary devices opened fire at random at the Crocus City complex - home to both a popular music hall and shopping center - on Friday night. Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN, 23 Mar. 2024 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 29 Mar. 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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