1
: having or viewed as having a better than even chance to win
the odds-on favorite
2
: not involving much risk : pretty sure
an odds-on bet

Examples of odds-on 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.
The first-year big leaguer had 31 homers and 108 RBIs and is the odds-on favorite for National League Rookie of the Year. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 18 Sep. 2026 The Rams already were the odds-on Super Bowl favorite before bringing back Donald, so upon hearing that he was scratched, the 49ers surely won’t be doing any victory laps in the ensuing 52 hours before kickoff. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026 Prediction Week 1 starter — Smack RIGHT GUARD Anthony Belton, a second round draft pick in 2025, started the final six games at this spot last season and was the odds-on favorite here when camp began. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The Hammers are 7/4 favourites to win the Championship and are odds-on for promotion. — Dean Jones, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for odds-on

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of odds-on was in 1888

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Odds-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/odds-on. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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