bookmaker

noun

book·​mak·​er ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce bookmaker (audio)
1
: a printer, binder, or designer of books
2
: a person who determines odds and receives and pays off bets
bookmaking noun

Examples of bookmaker 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.
As of May 1, according to British bookmaker William Hill, Italy’s Parolin is a 9/4 favorite, followed by Tagle of the Philippines at 3/1. Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 4 May 2025 That bet hits on 1-0 wins in either direction as well as 0-0 draw, which are three of the bookmakers’ five most likely outcomes (along with a 2-1 Athletic victory and a 1-1 draw). Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 While bookmakers have focused on a handful of front-runners, recent history shows the eventual pope is often a surprise pick, with the voting process inside the Sistine Chapel frequently defying outside predictions. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025 According to Vatican analysts and bookmakers, the following candidates currently have the strongest odds. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bookmaker

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bookmaker was in the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Bookmaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bookmaker. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

bookmaker

noun
book·​mak·​er ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce bookmaker (audio)
: a person who receives and pays off bets

Legal Definition

bookmaker

noun
book·​mak·​er ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce bookmaker (audio)
: a person who determines odds and receives and pays off bets

called also bookie

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