What does "stakes" mean?

1. (risks and rewards) the things you can win or lose in a situation, such as your reputation or money. 2. (gambling money) the money that people bet in a game or a race.

stakes

US //ˈsteɪks// UK //stˈeɪks// stakes

1 risks and rewards (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the things you can win or lose in a situation, such as your reputation or money.

the potential rewards or risks involved in an action or competition, often used to describe the importance of an outcome.

Example

The stakes are high in this election because the new laws will affect everyone.

Example

With the company on the brink of bankruptcy, the stakes for the upcoming merger negotiations could not be higher for the employees.
2 gambling money (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the money that people bet in a game or a race.

the sum of money or property risked on the outcome of a contest or game of chance.

Example

They were playing poker for very small stakes, just for fun.

Example

Professional gamblers often prefer tables with high stakes to ensure the potential payout justifies the significant financial risk involved.
- wager
- bet
- pot

Idioms2 entries

01
pull up stakes
To prepare to move one's (usually temporary) habitation, especially rapidly.
02
raise the stakes
To increase in significance or risk.