Word of the Day

: September 28, 2021

parlay

verb PAHR-lay

What It Means

Parlay means "to turn (something) into something of greater value."

// The young actor parlayed his popularity as a teen heartthrob into a successful film career.

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parlay in Context

"Since his pro debut in 1995, [Manny Pacquiao] has won world titles in a record eight weight classes and parlayed boxing fame into political clout." — Morgan Campbell, The New York Times, 22 Aug. 2021

Did You Know?

In gambling, parlay is used for a series of bets in which a person places a bet, then puts the original stake of money and all of its winnings on new wagers. The noun comes from the French name for such bets: paroli. Be careful not to mix up the verb parlay with the similar word parley, meaning "to speak with another or to confer."