bookie

[book-ee]

noun

1. bookmaker.

bookie

/ ˈbʊkɪ /

noun

1. informal,  short for bookmaker

Word History and Origins

Origin of bookie¹

First recorded in 1880–85; book(maker) + -ie

Example Sentences

On Super Bowl Sunday, bookies would let their customers predict whether a running back would finish under or over a certain yardage total.

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The bookies were offering you odds of somewhere between 6:1 and 10:1 when the odds of it working out felt more like 2:1.

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"I tried everything - apps, local bookies, international platforms. I was hooked," he says.

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With the Proteas recommencing their first innings on the fifth day Cronje - prompted by a bookie named Marlon Aronstam - contrived an unprecedented innings forfeiture for both sides to ensure a result.

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The bookies certainly think so - and they are not alone.

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Related Words

• bettor 
• bookmaker 

When To Use

What does bookie mean?

A bookie is a person whose business is accepting other people’s gambling bets, such as on sporting events. It can also refer to a company that does this.Bookie is the common, informal name for a bookmaker. The word book in bookmaker refers to a record of bets.The word bookie is associated with illegal betting operations, especially those run by organized crime groups. However, being a bookie can be done legally. Still, as modern sports betting becomes more widespread, sophisticated, and run by large businesses, the image of a bookie as a shady person writing down bets by hand in a book is likely on the decline.Example: I got a hot tip on a horse—I better call my bookie!