1
a
: something that is laid, staked, or pledged typically between two parties on the outcome of a contest or a contingent issue : wager
—often used figuratively in such phrases as all bets are off to stress the uncertainty of an outcome
b
: the act of giving such a pledge
2
: something to wager on
3
: a choice made by consideration of probabilities
your best bet is the back road
bet also betted; betting
1
a
: to stake on the outcome of an issue or the performance of a contestant
b
: to be able to be sure that
—usually used in the expression you bet
you bet I'll be there
2
a
: to maintain with or as if with a bet
b
: to make a bet with
c
: to make a bet on
: to lay a bet
between
Did you know?
Slang Meaning of Bet
Bet is an informal affirmative, sometimes used jokingly, similar to “For sure!” or “Great!” It can express enthusiastic affirmation, agreement, or approval. Learn more >
Examples of bet in a Sentence
Noun
He has a bet on the game.
He made a bet with his brother that he could finish his chores first.
He and his brother have a bet about who can finish his chores first.
He lost the bet and had to pay his brother five dollars.
His brother won the bet.
He paid his brother five dollars to settle the bet.
Verb
He bet $5 on the game.
I'll bet that he makes the next shot.
He always bets that the favorite will win.
He lost a lot of money by betting on college football and basketball.
I bet against the favorite and I lost.
I wouldn't bet against her. She's very likely to win this race.
Carmakers are betting that people will want to buy larger, more expensive cars this year.
Recent Examples on the Web
Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
In 2023, the NFL suspended Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, who missed four games after his initial six-game suspension was reduced, for placing a bet on a non-NFL game from an NFL facility.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Legalized betting has certain security advantages in that unusual betting patterns — such as large bets being placed on a random player’s performance — can be immediately flagged.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bet
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
More broadly, the NBA has expressed concern about prop bets, while other sports leagues have worried about the potential for manipulation.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
In 2023, the NFL suspended Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, who missed four games after his initial six-game suspension was reduced, for placing a bet on a non-NFL game from an NFL facility.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
Silver said the league learned about the March 2023 game from gambling regulators and betting companies.
—Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Legalized betting has certain security advantages in that unusual betting patterns — such as large bets being placed on a random player’s performance — can be immediately flagged.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bet
Cite this Entry
“Bet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bet. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bet
1 of 2 noun1
: an agreement requiring the person whose guess about the result of a contest or the outcome of an event proves wrong to give something to a person whose guess proves right
2
: the money or thing risked
3
: a choice made by considering what might happen
our best bet is to take the back road
bet
2 of 2 verb
bet also betted; betting
1
: to risk in a bet
I'll bet a nickel
2
: to make a bet with
I bet you he won't
3
: to be certain enough to bet
I bet it will rain
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