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.
Before online sports bookmakers launched in November 2020, Tennesseeans rarely sought counseling for sports betting. Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025 Cosmic bookmakers don’t make an impact terribly likely. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025 Her Fox News program shows the degree of influence the Trump family has over the American conservative movement, with bookmaker Betfair concluding earlier this month that Donald Trump Jr. is the second most likely 2028 Republican presidential contender. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025 The bookmakers believe there’s little chance Pep Guardiola can overcome this situation, as Madrid are priced at 1/7 to qualify. Sam Tighe, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 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 24 Mar. 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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