bet

1 of 3

noun

1
a
: something that is laid, staked, or pledged typically between two parties on the outcome of a contest or a contingent issue : wager
often used figuratively in such phrases as all bets are off to stress the uncertainty of an outcome
b
: the act of giving such a pledge
2
: something to wager on
3
: a choice made by consideration of probabilities
your best bet is the back road

bet

2 of 3

verb

bet also betted; betting

transitive verb

1
a
: to stake on the outcome of an issue or the performance of a contestant
b
: to be able to be sure that
usually used in the expression you bet
you bet I'll be there
2
a
: to maintain with or as if with a bet
b
: to make a bet with
c
: to make a bet on

intransitive verb

: to lay a bet

bet

3 of 3

abbreviation

between

Did you know?

Slang Meaning of Bet

Bet is an informal affirmative, sometimes used jokingly, similar to “For sure!” or “Great!” It can express enthusiastic affirmation, agreement, or approval. Learn more >

Examples of bet in a Sentence

Noun He has a bet on the game. He made a bet with his brother that he could finish his chores first. He and his brother have a bet about who can finish his chores first. He lost the bet and had to pay his brother five dollars. His brother won the bet. He paid his brother five dollars to settle the bet. Verb He bet $5 on the game. I'll bet that he makes the next shot. He always bets that the favorite will win. He lost a lot of money by betting on college football and basketball. I bet against the favorite and I lost. I wouldn't bet against her. She's very likely to win this race. Carmakers are betting that people will want to buy larger, more expensive cars this year.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Although some say the issue can be resolved domestically, others say partnering with the oil-rich Gulf is a wise strategic bet. Amy Gunia, CNN Money, 22 May 2025 That was from the moment the first piece of promotion went on the air at Super Bowl LI in 2017 — a bold, big bet by Hulu [which cost $5 million for 30 seconds of airtime]. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025
Verb
Manny Pacquiao Opening Betting Odds When the betting odds for the Barrios vs. Pacquiao were first published, Barrios was listed as the -750 betting favorite over the +470 Pacquiao. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 DeWine had originally proposed doubling the state tax on sports betting to raise money for new stadiums instead of pledging $600 million in state bonds. Zac Jackson, New York Times, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for bet

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bet was in 1591

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Cite this Entry

“Bet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bet. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

bet

1 of 2 noun
1
: an agreement requiring the person whose guess about the result of a contest or the outcome of an event proves wrong to give something to a person whose guess proves right
2
: the money or thing risked
3
: a choice made by considering what might happen
our best bet is to take the back road

bet

2 of 2 verb
bet also betted; betting
1
: to risk in a bet
I'll bet a nickel
2
: to make a bet with
I bet you he won't
3
: to be certain enough to bet
I bet it will rain

More from Merriam-Webster on bet

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