pari-mutuel

noun

pari-mu·​tu·​el ˌper-i-ˈmyü-chə-wəl How to pronounce pari-mutuel (audio)
-chəl, 
ˌpa-ri-;
-ˈmyüch-wəl
1
: a betting pool in which those who bet on competitors finishing in the first three places share the total amount bet minus a percentage for the management
2
: a machine for registering the bets and computing the payoffs in pari-mutuel betting

Examples of pari-mutuel 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 a pari-mutuel system, bettors wager against each other, not the house. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 2 May 2026 The top prize, in particular, is awarded on a pari-mutuel basis, meaning the prize can vary based on ticket sales and the number of winners. — Addy Bink, The Hill, 21 Feb. 2026 The state, by virtue of the raid, seems to be siding with the California tribes, who have purview over almost all non-pari-mutuel gambling in the state and oppose the machines. — John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026 In California, prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel, meaning it's determined by the sales and the number of winners. — Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pari-mutuel

Word History

Etymology

French pari mutuel, literally, mutual stake

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pari-mutuel was in 1881

Rhymes for pari-mutuel

See All Rhymes for pari-mutuel

Browse Nearby Words

parieto-occipital fissure
pari-mutuel
parinari
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Cite this Entry

“Pari-mutuel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pari-mutuel. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pari-mutuel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pari-mutuel

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