bet
1 Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
noun
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a pledge of a forfeit risked on some uncertain outcome; wager.
Where do we place our bets?
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that which is pledged.
a two-dollar bet.
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something that is bet on, as a competitor in a sporting event or a number in a lottery.
That horse looks like a good bet.
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an act or instance of betting.
It's a bet, then?
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a person, plan of action, etc., considered as being a good alternative; choice.
Your best bet is to sell your stocks now.
idioms
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all bets are off. all bets are off.
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you bet! of course! surely!.
You bet I'd like to be there!
noun
abbreviation
abbreviation
noun
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an agreement between two parties that a sum of money or other stake will be paid by the loser to the party who correctly predicts the outcome of an event
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the money or stake risked
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the predicted result in such an agreement
his bet was that the horse would win
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a person, event, etc, considered as likely to succeed or occur
it's a good bet that they will succeed
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a course of action (esp in the phrase one's best bet )
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informal an opinion; view
my bet is that you've been up to no good
verb
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to make or place a bet with (a person or persons)
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(tr) to stake (money, etc) in a bet
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informal (tr; may take a clause as object) to predict (a certain outcome)
I bet she fails
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informal of course; naturally
Etymology
Origin of bet
First recorded in 1585–95; perhaps special use of obsolete bet “better,” in phrase the bet “the advantage,” i.e., “the odds”
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.
“After building our industry-leading position in identity resolution, commerce, and creators, our next big bet is sport,” said Arthur Sadoun, Publicis Groupe’s CEO.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026
Now, commercial aerospace is a better bet than defense stocks, according to Wells Fargo.
From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026
Japan is placing a big bet on U.S. housing.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026
Somebody is willing to place a $500 million bet in the futures market on the basis of national security.
From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026
“I’d bet my entire hat collection that it’s a key. A strange-looking one but still a key.”
From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova
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.
