bookmaker

[ book-mey-ker ]

noun

1. a person who makes a business of accepting the bets of others on the outcome of sports contests, especially of horse races.
2. a person who makes books.

bookmaker

/ ˈbʊkˌmeɪkə /

noun

1. a person who as an occupation accepts bets, esp on horseraces, and pays out to winning betters

Derived Forms

• ˈbookˌmaking, noun

Other Words From

• bookmaking noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bookmaker¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, bookmaker is from the late Middle English word bokmakere. See book, maker

Example Sentences

Big British bookmaker Coral has suspended betting on Kate announcing she is pregnant again before the end of this month.

From The Daily Beast

Mitchell (not her real name) is not your typical bookmaker, reigning over a group of 30 participants in her Bachelor betting pool.

From The Daily Beast

Irish bookmaker Paddy Power funded the trips to the Hermit Kingdom, but stopped after Kim Jong-Un purged his uncle.

From The Daily Beast

You could get the numbers of the notes from Kentman the bookmaker, Inspector; he'll probably have the big ones, anyway.

From Project Gutenberg

By return of post came the desired release from the bookmaker, and Mr. Arundel handed it to the boy with a pleasant smile.

From Project Gutenberg

The bookmaker was Nicholas Gerard, always called Nick by everybody.

From Project Gutenberg

"Even hundred nobody names it," yelled a bookmaker in the ring.

From Project Gutenberg

Yes: a bookmaker is a man who lives by betting on the races.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bettor
• bookie