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

bookmaking

ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kiŋ 

noun

Examples of bookmaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The story of how a small Dublin bookmaker turned into one of the world’s most recognizable betting companies is being made into a feature film, with a quartet of Irish actors attached to star. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

Álvarez is the favorite with the bookmakers thanks to Mbilli’s limited experience against elite opponents. — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Beasley is accused of fixing or trying to fix his performance in at least four games while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024 by under or overperforming bookmakers’ expectations. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

But while studio Amazon MGM, producers and director Denis Villeneuve may or may not have made up their minds on who gets the role, bookmakers have released odds for anyone willing to enter the casino royale of online betting. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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