'sweepstakes' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'swepestake,' where 'swepe' meant 'to sweep' and 'stake' referred to a prize or wager.

'swepestake' transformed into the modern English word 'sweepstakes' through the influence of the concept of 'sweeping' all the stakes or prizes.

Initially, it meant 'a contest where the winner takes all the stakes,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a contest with prizes.'