bookmaker

noun

book·​mak·​er ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce bookmaker (audio)
Synonyms of bookmakernext
1
: a printer, binder, or designer of books
2
: a person who determines odds and receives and pays off bets
bookmaking noun

Examples of bookmaker in a Sentence

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.
But, as this NFL season gets to the postseason, some bookmakers have noticed a distinct change. Doug Kezirian, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026 In 2023, the NCAA released a study finding that 67% of college students living on campus had engaged in sports betting, 41% had bet on their school’s teams, and 35% had used a student bookmaker. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Jan. 2026 Colman is also now an Oscar winner, while who will become the next 007 is expected to be announced very soon (although the bookmakers’ current favorite is Callum Turner). Alex Ritman, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026 At the time these bets were made, other bookmakers on Polymarket believed there was only an 8% chance that Maduro would be out of power by the end of January. Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bookmaker

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

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Cite this Entry

“Bookmaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bookmaker. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

bookmaker

noun
book·​mak·​er ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce bookmaker (audio)
: a person who receives and pays off bets

Legal Definition

bookmaker

noun
book·​mak·​er ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce bookmaker (audio)
: a person who determines odds and receives and pays off bets

called also bookie

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