pak-a-pu

noun

¦päkə¦pü
plural -s
: a Chinese lottery typically played with sheets of paper carrying columns of characters of which one group is a winning set that entitles the player choosing it to the stakes offered

Word History

Etymology

Chinese pai2 ko1 p'iao4 white pigeon ticket, from pai2 white + ko1 pigeon + p'iao4 ticket

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near pak-a-pu

Cite this Entry

“Pak-a-pu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pak-a-pu. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!