at random

Related to at random: random number generator

at random

With no discernable pattern or reasoning. We will choose a raffle winner at random.
See also: random
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

at random

by chance; haphazard. The lottery numbers are chosen at random. As a prank, the children dialed phone numbers at random.
See also: random
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

at random

Without order or fixed purpose, haphazardly, as in Jackson Pollock dropped paints on canvas seemingly at random. Originally this phrase meant "very speedily" and "heedlessly." Shakespeare had the present usage in 1 Henry VI (5:3): "He talks at random; sure the man is mad." [Late 1500s]
See also: random
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

at random

Without a governing design, method, or purpose; unsystematically: chose a card at random from the deck.
See also: random
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • random
  • be picked out of a hat
  • draw for
  • draw for (something)
  • on one's
  • on someone's
  • pillow-biter
  • out of one's
  • #dead
  • at a venture
References in periodicals archive
Rick Perry was indicted last month for allegedly overstepping his authority, the charges came from a type of grand jury that is not the norm in Austin's criminal courts: one whose members were chosen at random.
Time to Ditch Texas' Key Man Grand Jury System?
The book publishing industry may be in the midst of an existential crisis, but you wouldn't know it at Random House.
Bondage Bonuses: Random House Shares '50 Shades' Wealth With Employees
These decays happen at random intervals, quantum mechanics dictates.
Take a chance: scientists put randomness to work
"Librarians and teachers have been using audiobooks for years in the classroom, but parents aren't making the logical connection at home," says Amanda D'Acierno, director of audio publishing at Random House.
Listen up: fans are demanding audiobooks faster than the industry can record them, and prices are coming down
Once again, changes at Random House have made headlines in papers throughout the country.
`Random' destruction. (Comment)
"Artesia's TEAMS solution allows us to streamline the collection and distribution of our text- and audio-based content, while enabling us to establish stronger relationships with our trade partners and, at the same time, allowing us to pursue new areas of business," said John Buese, chief information officer at Random House.
Random House Sekcts Artesia Technologies' Software
The loop body maintains the invariant by inserting J into the sequence; J is the first element when T = J, otherwise J is placed after one of the J -- 1 existing elements at random.
A sample of brilliance