plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
a(1)
: the probability that one thing is so or will happen rather than another : chances
the odds are against it
(2)
: the ratio of the probability of one event to that of an alternative event
b(1)
: a difference favoring one of two opposed things
overwhelming odds
(2)
: a difference in terms of advantage or disadvantage
what's the odds, if thinking so makes them happy—
Flora Thompson
Flora Thompson
c
: an amount by which one thing exceeds or falls short of another
won the election by considerable odds
2
: disagreement, variance
—usually used with at
faculty and administration often are at odds on everything—W. E. Brock born 1930
W. E. Brock born 19303
a
: the ratio between the amount to be paid off for a winning bet and the amount of the bet
b
: an allowance granted by one making a bet to one accepting the bet and designed to equalize the chances favoring one of the bettors
c
: special favor : partiality
4
a
archaic
: inequalities
b
obsolete
: degree of unlikeness
Cite this Entry
“Odds.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/odds. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
odds
plural noun1
: a difference by which one thing is favored over another
the odds are in favor of our side
2
a
: the probability that one thing is so or will happen instead of another
the odds are good it will rain today
b
: the ratio of the probability of one event to that of an event that can happen instead
the odds of success to failure in throwing a six with two dice are 1 to 5
3
: a state of disagreement
at odds with their neighbor
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