point spread

noun

: the number of points by which an oddsmaker expects a favorite to defeat an underdog

Examples of point spread in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread would have been 1-3 (.250); overall playoffs 4-6 (.400) . Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025 That translates into a point spread of between 2.0 and 2.5 points — in line with Massey-Peabody’s pre-pandemic number. Michael Salfino, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 And More—Had Homes Destroyed Along With Historic Landmarks The Steelers have won eight out of the last 10 between the two, going 7-3 against the point spread. Jack Magruder, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 At sportsbooks, a 55% chance translates into a point spread of between 2.0 and 2.5 points, which is more or less in line with Massey-Peabody’s pre-pandemic number. Ben Fawkes, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for point spread 

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of point spread was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near point spread

Cite this Entry

“Point spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20spread. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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