Word
bookmakers
Phoneticsbook·mak·ers, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbʊkmeɪkɝz/
UK/bˈʊkmeɪkəz/
Plural noun
Definition
n. people or companies that take bets on things like sports or races. They decide how much money you win if your bet is correct.
n. persons or businesses that accept and pay out bets on the outcome of events, particularly sporting competitions. They calculate odds to ensure a profit regardless of the specific result.
Examples
“The bookmakers are giving the home team a high chance of winning.”
“Before the championship game, bookmakers across the city adjusted their odds following news of the star player's injury.”
“The rise of digital platforms has allowed bookmakers to offer real-time betting markets that fluctuate second-by-second as the match progresses.”
Examples
simple
“The bookmakers are giving the home team a high chance of winning.”
contextual
“Before the championship game, bookmakers across the city adjusted their odds following news of the star player's injury.”
complex
“The rise of digital platforms has allowed bookmakers to offer real-time betting markets that fluctuate second-by-second as the match progresses.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “bookmakers” in context.
Verb
01. beat bookmaker
“It is notoriously difficult for professional gamblers to consistently beat the bookmaker.”
verb + noun
02. bookmaker offers
“The bookmaker offers a wide range of markets on international football.”
noun + verb
03. bookmaker pays
“The bookmaker pays out immediately once the official result is confirmed.”
noun + verb
04. visit bookmaker
“He would visit the bookmaker every Saturday morning to place a small wager.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. leading bookmaker
“The leading bookmakers have slashed the odds on the home team winning.”
adj + noun
06. licensed bookmaker
“Always place your bets with a licensed bookmaker to ensure your money is safe.”
adj + noun
07. online bookmaker
“Many online bookmakers offer free bets to attract new customers.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. chain of bookmakers
“The company operates a large chain of bookmakers across the country.”
noun + prep + noun
09. spokesman for bookmaker
“A spokesman for the bookmaker confirmed that one lucky punter won a million pounds.”
noun + prep + noun
10. odds offered by bookmakers
“You should compare the odds offered by bookmakers before placing your bet.”
11. place a bet with bookmakers
“Thousands of fans rushed to place a bet with bookmakers before the final.”
Usage
Often shortened to 'bookies' in informal speech; the singular form is 'bookmaker'.
Real-World Examples
“British bookmakers have seen a surge in the number of bets placed on the Women's World Cup compared with previous years, though the timing of the matches meant betting volumes were down on last year's European Championship.” “After a year marred by cancelled sporting events and closed retail betting shops, an increase in online gambling during the pandemic-induced lockdowns have helped bookmakers.” “Bookmakers say they limit bets from a minority of customers to ensure good odds are available to everyone.” “Local media had earlier reported about a bidding war between bookmakers, which also included betting giant Sportsbet.” Etymology
A compound of 'book' and 'maker'. In the 19th century, a 'book' referred to the record of bets laid on a race, and the person who 'made' or managed this record became known as the bookmaker.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/bookmakers