bookmaker

noun

book·​mak·​er ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce bookmaker (audio)
Synonyms of bookmakernext
1
: a printer, binder, or designer of books
2
: a person who determines odds and receives and pays off bets
bookmaking
ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kiŋ How to pronounce bookmaker (audio)
noun

Examples of bookmaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In this case, bookmakers view a draw as slightly more likely than a Japanese victory. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 June 2026 The money that actually stays with a bookmaker typically runs at less than a 10% margin on that headline figure. — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 But a battle could be brewing between the traditional bookmakers and the ever-growing prediction markets. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 7 June 2026 In the first, sophisticated statistical models and expert insight from bookmakers and transfer markets are combined to determine the strengths of all teams and their players. — Achim Zeileis, Fortune, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bookmaker

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bookmaker was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

book lung
bookmaker
bookman
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bookmaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bookmaker. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bookmaker

noun
book·​mak·​er ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce bookmaker (audio)
: a person who receives and pays off bets

Legal Definition

bookmaker

noun
book·​mak·​er ˈbu̇k-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce bookmaker (audio)
: a person who determines odds and receives and pays off bets

called also bookie

More from Merriam-Webster on bookmaker

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bookmaker

Nglish: Translation of bookmaker for Spanish Speakers

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