point spread

noun

: the number of points by which an oddsmaker expects a favorite to defeat an underdog

Examples of point spread in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Betting on the point spread creates a kind of parallel, phantom game that changes the plot points of the drama. —Rand Richards Cooper, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2026

Because public perception drives point spreads and old habits die hard. —Greg Cote january 8, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026

And against the San Antonio Spurs, the first of their current three-game losing streak, the Knicks won the first quarter, 45-36, and were within a one-point spread in the middle two quarters before falling apart in the final frame of a two-point loss. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026

Ohio State is the biggest favorite of the quarterfinals with a 10-point spread on BetMGM against Miami. —Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for point spread

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead