parlay

American  

[pahr-ley, -lee] / ˈpɑr leɪ, -li /

verb (used with object)

1. to bet or gamble (an original amount and its winnings) on a subsequent race, contest, etc.

2. Informal. to use (one's money, talent, or other assets) to achieve a desired objective, as spectacular wealth or success.

   He parlayed a modest inheritance into a fortune.

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noun

1. a bet of an original sum and the subsequent winnings.

parlay British  

/ ˈpɑːlɪ /

verb

1. Brit equivalent: double up.  to stake (winnings from one bet) on a subsequent wager

2. to exploit (one's talent) to achieve worldly success

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noun

1. a bet in which winnings from one wager are staked on another, or a series of such bets

Usage

What does parlay mean? In gambling, to parlay a bet means to “let it ride”—to wager the original amount and any winnings on a subsequent bet. Parlay can also be used as a noun to refer to such a bet.Sometimes it means something more specific, especially in the context of sports betting: a single wager that depends on the outcome of multiple events, most commonly sports games.Parlay can also be used in a general way meaning to use a resource, such as money or talent, to achieve an outcome, such as wealth or success.Example: I always end up trying to parlay my winnings and then losing everything.

Etymology

Origin of parlay

An Americanism first recorded in 1820–30; alteration of earlier paroli, from French, from Neapolitan Italian, plural of parolo, perhaps derivative of paro “equal,” from Latin pār; pair ¹

Example Sentences

Businesses often try to parlay their core competencies into new product lines and markets, said Tsay.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

One mark against prediction markets for FanDuel: The nature of event contracts make it difficult to replicate parlay bets, one of the most profitable types of wagers for a sportsbook.

From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025

No-nonsense Maomao, a Tang Dynasty-era girl raised in a brothel who escapes servitude to parlay her apothecary skills in service of the palace, is one of the best female protagonists of all time.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2025

This fall, Kalshi unveiled a “combo” product that allows customers to create multiple-legged bets on the same game — essentially a parlay.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 24, 2025

Surely they will parlay awhile, and give us time to get out of the way.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis