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.
While odds reflect bookmakers’ careful analysis of league stats, headlines, history and player analytics, the sway of public opinion can move betting lines, too, and Clark is like a public-opinion gravity field. Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 16 May 2025 Tagle, 67, along with Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, is one of two favorites, according to several bookmakers, including the UK's William Hill. Hannah Parry amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 This time, the favorite among bookmakers like Polymarket is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, Francis’ secretary of state, who is seen as a centrist stabilizer. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 6 May 2025 Meanwhile, the bookmakers still consider Man City close to a lock to make the top six (1/10) and extremely like to finish in the top four (2/5). Sam Tighe, The Athletic, 25 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bookmaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bookmaker. Accessed 25 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

More from Merriam-Webster on bookmaker

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!