wager

[ wey-jer ]

noun

1. something risked or staked on an uncertain event; bet:

   to place a wager on a soccer match.

   Synonyms: risk, hazard, stake

2. the act of betting.
3. the subject or terms of a bet.
4. Early English Law. a pledge to make good one's cause by the supporting oaths of others or by battle.

verb (used with object)

1. to risk (something) on the outcome of a contest or any uncertain event or matter; bet.

   Synonyms: venture, stake

2. History/Historical. to pledge oneself to (battle) for the decision of a cause.

verb (used without object)

1. to make or offer a wager; bet.

wager

/ ˈweɪdʒə /

noun

1. an agreement or pledge to pay an amount of money as a result of the outcome of an unsettled matter
2. an amount staked on the outcome of such a matter or event
3. wager of battle
   (in medieval Britain) a pledge to do battle for a cause, esp to decide guilt or innocence by single combat
4. wager of law
   English legal history a form of trial in which the accused offered to make oath of his innocence, supported by the oaths of 11 of his neighbours declaring their belief in his statements

verb

1. when tr, may take a clause as object to risk or bet (something) on the outcome of an unsettled matter
2. tr history to pledge oneself to (battle)

Derived Forms

• ˈwagerer, noun

Other Words From

• wager·er noun
• re·wager verb noun
• super·wager noun
• un·wagered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wager¹

1275–1325; Middle English wajour, wager solemn pledge < Anglo-French wageure, equivalent to wage ( r ) to pledge ( wage ) + -ure -ure

Word History and Origins

Origin of wager¹

C14: from Anglo-French wageure a pledge, from Old Northern French wagier to pledge; see wage

Example Sentences

The wager is also intended to raise awareness for a fundraising campaign for schools in both archdioceses.

From Los Angeles Times

Gomez agreed to a similar wager with Cincinnati Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr over the outcome of Super Bowl LVI.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m grateful to my brother, Archbishop Gomez, for agreeing to this friendly wager,” Dolan said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Ben lost, of course, but he’s ready to double down with a new digital wager!

From Slate

The special counsel is effectively hedging his bets in this all-important wager on the Pence evidence.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gamble
• put up
• speculate