wager

American  

[wey-jer] / ˈweɪ dʒər /

noun

1. something risked or staked on an uncertain event; bet.

   to place a wager on a soccer match.

   Synonyms:

   risk, hazard, stake

2. the act of betting.

3. the subject or terms of a bet.

4. Early English Law. a pledge to make good one's cause by the supporting oaths of others or by battle.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to risk (something) on the outcome of a contest or any uncertain event or matter; bet.

   Synonyms:

   venture, stake

2. History/Historical. to pledge oneself to (battle) for the decision of a cause.

verb (used without object)

1. to make or offer a wager; bet.

wager British  

/ ˈweɪdʒə /

noun

1. an agreement or pledge to pay an amount of money as a result of the outcome of an unsettled matter

2. an amount staked on the outcome of such a matter or event

3. (in medieval Britain) a pledge to do battle for a cause, esp to decide guilt or innocence by single combat

4. English legal history a form of trial in which the accused offered to make oath of his innocence, supported by the oaths of 11 of his neighbours declaring their belief in his statements

---

verb

1. (when tr, may take a clause as object) to risk or bet (something) on the outcome of an unsettled matter

2. (tr) history to pledge oneself to (battle)

Other Word Forms

• rewager verb
• superwager noun
• unwagered adjective
• wagerer noun

Etymology

Origin of wager

1275–1325; Middle English wajour, wager solemn pledge < Anglo-French wageure, equivalent to wage ( r ) to pledge ( wage ) + -ure -ure

Example Sentences

Ahead of the Super Bowl, for instance, bets on the halftime show included wagers on whether Cardi B would perform.

From The Wall Street Journal

But I’d wager that most of those who feel that way don’t remember who Banks revealed herself to be once both she and The CW show perched atop pop culture’s peak.

From Salon

Critics of prediction markets say the binary nature of the wagers is risky and akin to gambling.

From The Wall Street Journal

The next day Mr. Wagner was told that he could wager no more than $100 on the winner of an NBA game.

From The Wall Street Journal

Another bettor netted more than $400,000 after placing a wager that Nicolás Maduro would soon be out as Venezuela’s leader less than five hours before nighttime explosions rocked the capital of Caracas.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• gamble
• put up
• speculate