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.
Manchester United were the fall guys this time, despite seeming to be so in control of the title that one bookmaker paid out early.
From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026
Unlike traditional sports wagering, where odds are set by a bookmaker, sports-related event contracts are priced based on how other traders are betting in the market.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026
A tearful Redknapp, who recalled last week how his grandmother used to run bets for a bookmaker when gambling was illegal, earned a big kiss from his wife Sandra.
From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025
MLB prohibits players and other employees from betting on any sport with an illegal bookmaker.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2024
He looked like a low-grade bookmaker dressed up for his daughter's wedding, and he was clearly very pleased with himself this evening.
From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl
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.
