wager

1 of 2

noun

wa·​ger ˈwā-jər How to pronounce wager (audio)
1
a
: something (such as a sum of money) risked on an uncertain event : stake
b
: something on which bets are laid : gamble
do a stunt as a wager
2
archaic : an act of giving a pledge to take and abide by the result of some action

wager

2 of 2

verb

wagered; wagering
ˈwāj-riŋ,
ˈwā-jə- How to pronounce wager (audio)

intransitive verb

: to make a bet

transitive verb

: to risk or venture on a final outcome
specifically : to lay as a gamble : bet
wager $5 on a horse
wagerer noun

Examples of wager in a Sentence

Noun He has a wager on the game. I don't think the horse will win. What's your wager? Verb She wagered $50 on the game. I wouldn't wager against them.
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.
Noun
There are seemingly infinite options to place wagers on events, and the industry continues to mature and the betting menus are expanding and growing. Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Bettors also assume numerous risks in placing a wager, including the possibilities of player injuries and underperformance. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
Smith wagered his hair on it, making a bet with three cadets over the winner with the losing side having to shave their head. Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 14 Dec. 2024 There were 12- and 13-year-olds competing in the Summer Games and people could wager on those events. Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wager 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English wageour pledge, bet, from Anglo-French wageure, from *wager

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1602, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of wager was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near wager

Cite this Entry

“Wager.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wager. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

wager

1 of 2 noun
wa·​ger ˈwā-jər How to pronounce wager (audio)
1
: something (as a sum of money) risked on an uncertain event : bet
2
: something (as the outcome of a game or race) on which a bet is made
: gamble

wager

2 of 2 verb
wagered; wagering ˈwāj-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce wager (audio)
: to bet on the outcome of a contest or question
wagerer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on wager

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!