best bet

noun

: safest or most reliable course of action : surest means to a desired end : most advantageous approach : most satisfactory choice
the pilot's best bet was to make an emergency landing
the best bet for stabilizing the national economy

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of best bet was in 1906

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near best bet

Cite this Entry

“Best bet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/best%20bet. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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