bookmaker

[book-mey-ker]

noun

1. a person who makes a business of accepting the bets of others on the outcome of sports contests, especially of horse races.

2. a person who makes books.

bookmaker

/ ˈbʊkˌmeɪkə /

noun

1. a person who as an occupation accepts bets, esp on horseraces, and pays out to winning betters

Other Word Forms

• bookmaking noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bookmaker¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, bookmaker is from the late Middle English word bokmakere. See book, maker

Example Sentences

Hood went to a local bookmakers before getting a taxi to a woman's house in the city's Haghill where he changed his clothes, before going to a pub and calling his mother and sister.

From BBC

"I said if this game was being played on the Indian subcontinent, people would start talking about bookmakers," Holding said.

From BBC

And, in the eyes of Vegas bookmakers, are still the overwhelming favorites to repeat as World Series champions.

From Los Angeles Times

Every bookmaker, from Brisbane to Ballydehob, makes the Lions favourites, not just for Saturday's first Test at the Suncorp Stadium, where they are traditionally strong, but across the span of the series.

From BBC

Despite the ongoing tension, her song is currently among the favourites to win, according to bookmakers.

From BBC

Related Words

• bettor 
• bookie 

When To Use

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!