bookmaker
noun
book·mak·er
ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər 
1
: a printer, binder, or designer of books
2
: a person who determines odds and receives and pays off bets
Examples of bookmaker in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Benavídez is defending his Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title and the Arizona native is the odds-on favorite according to bookmakers.
—
Tim Chan, Variety, 25 Nov. 2023
Fergie's rep had no comment, but that hasn't stopped the bookmakers running a list of who might be in the running.
—Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 9 Nov. 2023
That's the betting at the moment, as bookmakers install the Duchess of York (popularly known as Fergie) as a favorite to sit in the chair vacated by a TV favorite in the U.K.
Last week, Fergie — who had breast cancer surgery in June — had a successful stint on the chat show Loose Women.
—Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 9 Nov. 2023
Still, India is the odds-on favorites for this year’s trophy, with bookmakers citing their impressive roster of stars and the host nation’s advantage.
—Tim Chan, Variety, 2 Nov. 2023
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, Pope Francis, environmental activist Greta Thunberg, British nature broadcaster David Attenborough and the World Health Organization had been among favorites mentioned by bookmakers before this winner was announced.
—Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Oct. 2023
The impact of war in Europe This year – as last – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sits atop many bookmakers’ list of laureates-in-waiting.
—Christian Edwards, CNN, 4 Oct. 2023
The online bookmaker gave bettors +651 odds, meaning that a gambler would win $6.51 for every $1 wagered, so long as all three teams won.
—Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 12 Sep. 2023
The bookmakers installed Indiana as more than a four-touchdown underdog for Saturday’s game.
—Nathan Baird, cleveland, 31 Aug. 2023
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Tim Chan, Variety, 25 Nov. 2023
Fergie's rep had no comment, but that hasn't stopped the bookmakers running a list of who might be in the running.
—Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 9 Nov. 2023
That's the betting at the moment, as bookmakers install the Duchess of York (popularly known as Fergie) as a favorite to sit in the chair vacated by a TV favorite in the U.K.
Last week, Fergie — who had breast cancer surgery in June — had a successful stint on the chat show Loose Women.
—Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 9 Nov. 2023
Still, India is the odds-on favorites for this year’s trophy, with bookmakers citing their impressive roster of stars and the host nation’s advantage.
—Tim Chan, Variety, 2 Nov. 2023
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, Pope Francis, environmental activist Greta Thunberg, British nature broadcaster David Attenborough and the World Health Organization had been among favorites mentioned by bookmakers before this winner was announced.
—Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Oct. 2023
The impact of war in Europe This year – as last – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sits atop many bookmakers’ list of laureates-in-waiting.
—Christian Edwards, CNN, 4 Oct. 2023
The online bookmaker gave bettors +651 odds, meaning that a gambler would win $6.51 for every $1 wagered, so long as all three teams won.
—Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 12 Sep. 2023
The bookmakers installed Indiana as more than a four-touchdown underdog for Saturday’s game.
—Nathan Baird, cleveland, 31 Aug. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bookmaker.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of bookmaker was
in the 12th century
Dictionary Entries Near bookmaker
Cite this Entry
“Bookmaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bookmaker. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
bookmaker
noun
book·mak·er
ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər
: a person who receives and pays off bets
Legal Definition
bookmaker
noun
book·mak·er
ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər
: a person who determines odds and receives and pays off bets
called also bookie
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