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.
According to Vatican analysts and bookmakers, the following candidates currently have the strongest odds. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 The Wire Act does not distinguish between bookmakers and exchanges. Daniel Wallach, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Or is there a dark horse lurking, ready to shatter the bookmakers’ expectations? Julia Ranney, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025 More news: Phillies' Bryce Harper Shades Dodgers Haters: 'Only Losers Complain' Fletcher knew Bowyer, who lives in Orange County, before Mizuhara placed his first bet with the bookmaker. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 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 28 Apr. 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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