bookmaker
Americannoun
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a person who makes a business of accepting the bets of others on the outcome of sports contests, especially of horse races.
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a person who makes books.
noun
Usage
What does bookmaker mean? A bookmaker is a person or institution whose business is accepting other people’s gambling bets, such as on sporting events. A bookmaker is more commonly called a bookie, especially when it refers to a person. The word book in bookmaker refers to a record of bets. The words bookie and bookmaker are sometimes associated with illegal betting operations, especially those run by organized crime groups. However, being a bookmaker can be done legally. Still, as modern sports betting becomes more widespread, sophisticated, and run by large businesses, the image of a bookmaker as a shady person writing down bets by hand in a book is likely on the decline. The word bookmaker can also refer to a person or company that makes books. Example: I got a hot tip on a horse—I better call my bookmaker!
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of bookmaker
First recorded in 1375–1425, bookmaker is from the late Middle English word bokmakere. See book, maker
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Hey Ippie, it’s 2 o’clock on Friday,” Bookmaker 1 texted in November 2023.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 2024
Bookmaker Ladbrokes said Mordaunt was now the favorite to win the leadership election, followed by Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who got 64 votes.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 14, 2022
Bookmaker Paddy Power has odds of 8/11 for "The Power of the Dog" followed by "CODA" with 11/10.
From Reuters • Mar. 23, 2022
Bookmaker Ladbrokes claimed £102m from the furlough scheme, despite rapid growth in online betting making up for all losses from the closure of stores.
From BBC • Jan. 6, 2022
He didn't know of the compact between Langdon and the Bookmaker Faust, but he strongly suspected from the Trainer's demeanor that the gallop he was witnessing foretold some big coup the latter scented.
From Thoroughbreds by Fraser, William Alexander
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
