wager

American  

[wey-jer] / ˈweɪ dʒər /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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. (in medieval Britain) a pledge to do battle for a cause, esp to decide guilt or innocence by single combat

4. 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

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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)

Other Word Forms

• rewager verb
• superwager noun
• unwagered adjective
• wagerer noun

Etymology

Origin of wager

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

Example Sentences

Prediction markets allow users to wager on events and outcomes in areas from business and economics to pop culture and weather patterns.

From MarketWatch

Futures markets indicate traders are now lined up behind wagers that the Fed’s rate target will end the year flat, although these trades have been volatile in recent weeks.

From The Wall Street Journal

Arizona’s attorney general, meanwhile, has filed criminal charges against the companies behind Kalshi’s prediction markets for operating an illegal gambling business without a license and for election wagering.

From The Wall Street Journal

The final wager was placed at 9:58 p.m.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yields on Treasurys had risen in recent days, with many traders wagering on higher inflation, and a rockier path to lower interest rates this year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• gamble
• put up
• speculate