parlay

[pahr-ley, -lee]

verb (used with object)

1. to bet or gamble (an original amount and its winnings) on a subsequent race, contest, etc.

2. Informal.,  to use (one's money, talent, or other assets) to achieve a desired objective, as spectacular wealth or success.

   He parlayed a modest inheritance into a fortune.

noun

1. a bet of an original sum and the subsequent winnings.

parlay

/ ˈpɑːlɪ /

verb

1. Brit equivalent: double up. to stake (winnings from one bet) on a subsequent wager

2. to exploit (one's talent) to achieve worldly success

noun

1. a bet in which winnings from one wager are staked on another, or a series of such bets

Word History and Origins

Origin of parlay¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1820–30; alteration of earlier paroli, from French, from Neapolitan Italian, plural of parolo, perhaps derivative of paro “equal,” from Latin pār; pair ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of parlay¹

C19: variant of paroli, via French from Neapolitan Italian parolo, from paro a pair, from Latin pār equal, _par

Example Sentences

This includes better odds on bets and parlays, the ability to cash out whenever they want, the ability to earn interest on open bets and more liquidity.

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And he just parlayed his hobbies and social ties into a $55 billion deal.

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Empowered by steadfastness and a shared devotion to rock ‘n’ roll — and to each other — the duo parlayed their stint with Fritz into a bona fide record contract with Polydor.

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He’d been able to save some money from working construction jobs and parlayed that into a chance to build a retail business, lugging suitcases of exotic couture from Europe back to Los Angeles by himself.

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Even back at the White House, foreign leaders have tried to parlay a golf connection into a friendly reception.

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When To Use

What does parlay mean?

In gambling, to parlay a bet means to “let it ride”—to wager the original amount and any winnings on a subsequent bet. Parlay can also be used as a noun to refer to such a bet.Sometimes it means something more specific, especially in the context of sports betting: a single wager that depends on the outcome of multiple events, most commonly sports games.Parlay can also be used in a general way meaning to use a resource, such as money or talent, to achieve an outcome, such as wealth or success.Example: I always end up trying to parlay my winnings and then losing everything.