# bookmakers

/ˈbʊkmeɪkɝz/ (US) · /bˈʊkmeɪkəz/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bookmakers
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

people or companies that take bets on things like sports or races. They decide how much money you win if your bet is correct.

For teachers: 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.

## Synonyms

bookie

## Antonyms

punter, gambler, bettors

## Usage notes

- Often shortened to 'bookies' in informal speech; the singular form is 'bookmaker'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.