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
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.
Philadelphia is up to a -425 favorite on the money line (a bet on who will win regardless of the point spread) at DraftKings, while the Cowboys are +330. Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2025 Preseason Polling Inaccuracies Part of the disconnect between polls and point spreads comes from the inherent flaws in preseason rankings. Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 Eight of the 17 point spreads are within a field goal either way. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025 Much like the game, the point spread fluctuated all week and switched sides prior to kickoff. Manny Navarro, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for point spread

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of point spread was in 1941

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Cite this Entry

“Point spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20spread. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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