bet

¹

[ bet ]

verb (used with object)

, bet or bet·ted, bet·ting.

1. to wager with (something or someone).

   Synonyms: chance, venture, hazard, risk, stake, gamble

verb (used without object)

, bet or bet·ted, bet·ting.

1. to make a wager:

   Do you want to bet?

noun

1. a pledge of a forfeit risked on some uncertain outcome; wager:

   Where do we place our bets?

2. that which is pledged:

   a two-dollar bet.

3. something that is bet on, as a competitor in a sporting event or a number in a lottery:

   That horse looks like a good bet.

4. an act or instance of betting:

   It's a bet, then?

5. a person, plan of action, etc., considered as being a good alternative; choice:

   Your best bet is to sell your stocks now.

bet

²

[ beyt; bet ]

noun

1. beth.

BET

³

abbreviation for

, Trademark.

1. Black Entertainment Television: a cable television channel.

bet.

⁴

abbreviation for

1. between.

bet

/ bɛt /

noun

1. an agreement between two parties that a sum of money or other stake will be paid by the loser to the party who correctly predicts the outcome of an event
2. the money or stake risked
3. the predicted result in such an agreement

   his bet was that the horse would win

4. a person, event, etc, considered as likely to succeed or occur

   it's a good bet that they will succeed

5. a course of action (esp in the phrase one's best bet )
6. informal.
   an opinion; view

   my bet is that you've been up to no good

verb

1. whenintr foll by on or against to make or place a bet with (a person or persons)
2. tr to stake (money, etc) in a bet
3. informal.
   tr; may take a clause as object to predict (a certain outcome)

   I bet she fails

4. you bet informal.
   of course; naturally

Word History and Origins

Origin of bet¹

First recorded in 1585–95; perhaps special use of obsolete bet “better,” in phrase the bet “the advantage,” i.e., “the odds”

Word History and Origins

Origin of bet¹

C16: probably short for abet

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. all bets are off. all bets are off.
2. you bet! Informal. of course! surely!:

   You bet I'd like to be there!

More idioms and phrases containing bet

• back (bet on) the wrong horse
• hedge one's bets
• you bet your ass

Example Sentences

Few would bet against that number reaching well into the twenties before his work in the city is done.

From BBC

Hindenburg Research, a short seller that makes money by betting that stocks will drop, published these claims in a scathing report, which pummeled the prices of Mr. Adani’s stocks and bonds.

From New York Times

Following multiple critical and commercial flops, morale is up among exhibitors betting on a strong end to 2024 and start to 2025.

From Los Angeles Times

Hwang was found guilty of lying to major investment banks as he secretly amassed large bets on several companies.

From BBC

“I bet the Sotheby’s staff absolutely can’t wait to stop having to listen to banana jokes and pretend like it’s the first time they heard them,” said the art adviser David Norman.

From New York Times

Related Words

• pony up
• speculate
• wager