lot Definition

lot
noun

1. colloq
A large number or amount of something.
Example: an awful lot of work to do
Example: lots of children
Thesaurus: a lot, many, much, an abundance, a great deal, oodles (slang).
Form: a lot of (usually)
Form: lots of
2a. Everything; the total; the whole number or amount;

Example: He just sat down and ate the lot
Form: the lot
2b. colloq
All one is getting
Example: That's your lot!
Form: one's lot
3. A group of people or things that have something, often a specified attribute or quality, in common.

Example: Get a move on, you lazy lot
Thesaurus: group, batch, set.
4a. A straw, slip of paper, etc that is drawn from a group of similar objects, in order to reach a fair and impartial decision;

Example: They drew lots to see who'd go first
4b. The use of lots to arrive at a decision, choice, etc.

Example: made their selection by lot
5. Someone's fortune, destiny, plight, etc.

Example: Something must be done to remedy the lot of the homeless
Thesaurus: fate, destiny, accident, doom, fortune.
6. An item or set of items for sale by auction, usually identified by a number.

Example: Lot 49 looks intriguing
(N Amer)
7. An area of land for a specified purpose.

Example: parking lot
8. The area around a film studio used for outside filming.

Idiom: a bad lot

A group or person considered to be dishonest, immoral, etc or that is thought of as having a reputation for behaving improperly.
Example: Unfortunately he got in with a thoroughly bad lot

Idiom: a lot

Often.
Example: went to the cinema a lot

Idiom: cast in one's lot with someone (throw in one's lot with someone)

To decide to share their fortunes.

Idiom: this little lot (that little lot)

Used, usually disparagingly, to refer to a specific group, series of events, etc.
Example: What a mess! She won't be happy when she sees this little lot

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon hlot portion or choice.