random

1 of 3

adjective

ran·​dom ˈran-dəm 

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

Synonyms

Adjective

• aimless
• arbitrary
• catch-as-catch-can
• desultory
• erratic
• haphazard
• helter-skelter
• hit-or-miss
• scattered
• slapdash
• stray

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

When shown random pixels, the judge guessed correctly only about 59% of the time. —Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024

So far, the only sign of anything amiss is the random Magic Marker doodle on the back of one of the many papers in Kornacki’s hands. —Jen Chaney, Vulture, 6 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

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

Phrases Containing random

• at random
• random-access
• random-access memory
• random variable
• random walk

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