wager

[wey-jer]

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.

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

/ 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

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of wager¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of wager¹

C14: from Anglo-French wageure a pledge, from Old Northern French wagier to pledge; see _wage

Example Sentences

People can wager money on whether a team will win a game or players will score a certain amount of points.

Read more on MarketWatch

But sportsbooks can suspend wagering or halt bettors’ ability to cash out of winning bets—which often happens precisely at game-changing moments, as bookmakers readjust the odds.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Murdoch noted that resolving the family control issue carried other side benefits, including smoothing the application process for state gaming licenses for the online sports wagering business, FanDuel.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

So much so that Roberts has wagered the season on him.

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In the end, strategic patience may be India's only real leverage - the wager that storms pass and partners return.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• gamble 
• put up 
• speculate