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
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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 Playoff Teams Against The Spread The Chiefs and Texans were the only playoff teams to finish below .500 against the point spread, a condition that usually occurs when the public plays hyped favorites. Jack Magruder, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 9-7 (.536); season 135-119-2 (.532). Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 2 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 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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