craps

[ kraps ]

noun

, (usually used with a singular verb)

1. a game in which two dice are thrown and in which a first throw of 7 or 11 wins, a first throw of 2, 3, or 12 loses, and a first throw of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 can be won only by throwing the same number again before throwing a 7.

craps

/ kræps /

noun

1. a gambling game using two dice, in which a player wins the bet if 7 or 11 is thrown first, and loses if 2, 3, or 12 is thrown
2. shoot craps
   to play this game

Word History and Origins

Origin of craps¹

First recorded in 1835–45, Americanism; apparently from French craps, variant of crabs “double-ace” (lowest throw at the game of hazard), from 18th-century English slang; crab ¹( def 7a )

Word History and Origins

Origin of craps¹

C19: probably from crabs lowest throw at dice, plural of crab ¹

Related Words

• poker
• roulette