point spread

noun

: the number of points by which an oddsmaker expects a favorite to defeat an underdog

Examples of point spread 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.
Any kid who picked five games correctly—with the point spread—won. — Keith O’Brien, New Yorker, 25 June 2026 Memes featuring the prolonged point spread far enough for Cunningham to comment on her heated moment, giving some context to the unusual clip. — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 To further break down the schedule, here are the early point spreads via DraftKings and notable observations about the Cowboys’ schedule. — Jon MacHota, New York Times, 21 May 2026 South Carolina is -1000 on the money line — a bet on who will win the game regardless of the point spread — which implies a 91% chance of victory. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for point spread

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of point spread was in 1941

Rhymes for point spread

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Browse Nearby Words

point source
point spread
point system
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Cite this Entry

“Point spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20spread. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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