point spread

American  

noun

1. a betting device, established by oddsmakers and used to attract bettors for uneven competitions, indicating the estimated number of points by which a stronger team can be expected to defeat a weaker team, the point spread being added to the weaker team's actual points in the game and this new figure then compared to the stronger team's points to determine winning bets.

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Etymology

Origin of point spread

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55

Example Sentences

That appeared to be the bond market’s immediate reaction—with Friday’s 0.7 percentage point spread between two- and 10-year Treasuries on track to be the widest since Jan. 6, according to Dow Jones Market Data.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

The main difference is that the point spread in an NFL game actually gives you a decent idea of what will probably happen on the field.

From Slate • Dec. 10, 2025

Some joked that Koo purposely missed to help the Patriots cover the point spread.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025

At this point, spread your hazelnuts out on a sheet pan and add to oven.

From Salon • Feb. 14, 2025

"What's the point spread on the Packers game?"

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin