odds

American  

[odz] / ɒdz /

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)

1. the probability that something is so, will occur, or is more likely to occur than something else.

   The odds are that it will rain today.

2. the ratio of probability that something is so, will occur, or is more likely to occur than something else.

3. this ratio used as the basis of a bet; the ratio by which the bet of one party to a wager exceeds that of the other, granted by one of two betting opponents to equalize the chances favoring one of them.

   The odds are two-to-one that it won't rain today.

4. an equalizing allowance, as that given the weaker person or team in a contest; handicap.

5. an advantage or degree of superiority on the side of two contending parties; a difference favoring one of two contestants.

6. an amount or degree by which one thing is better or worse than another.

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idioms

1. at odds, at variance; in disagreement.

   They were usually at odds over political issues.

2. by all odds, in every respect; by far; undoubtedly: Also by long odds, by odds.

   She is by all odds the brightest child in the family.

odds British  

/ ɒdz /

plural noun

1. the probability, expressed as a ratio, that a certain event will take place

   the odds against the outsider are a hundred to one

2. the amount, expressed as a ratio, by which the wager of one better is greater than that of another

   he was offering odds of five to one

3. the likelihood that a certain state of affairs will be found to be so

   the odds are that he is drunk

4. the chances or likelihood of success in a certain undertaking

   their odds were very poor after it rained

5. an equalizing allowance, esp one given to a weaker side in a contest

6. the advantage that one contender is judged to have over another

   the odds are on my team

7. a significant difference (esp in the phrase it makes no odds )

8. 1. on bad terms

   2. appearing not to correspond or match

      the silvery hair was at odds with her youthful shape

9. to offer a bet with favourable odds

10. to accept such a bet

11. 1. more than is expected, necessary, etc

       he got two pounds over the odds for this job

    2. unfair or excessive

12. informal what difference does it make?

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odds More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing odds

• against all odds
• at odds
• by all odds
• lay odds

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Etymology

Origin of odds

First recorded in 1490–1500; special use of odd

Example Sentences

Still, hundreds of families sat out under mild, cloudy skies, picnicking amid sweeping views of the snow-capped Alborz mountains -- a postcard scene at odds with a city under regular attack.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

When the economy is growing smoothly, odds of a recession hover around 15%.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

One of the earliest readings I encountered was by the theorist David Halperin, who defined “queer” as “whatever is at odds with the normal, the legitimate, the dominant.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Similarly, the warmer temperatures have compelled outdoor enthusiasts to hit the trails, increasing the odds of a run-in with the serpents.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Delia patted her hip, and for the first time, I saw that she had a sort of tool belt full of odds and ends wrapped around her waist.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Related Words

• likelihood