Meaning & Definition of word "Parlay"

Parlay

/ˈpɑːr.leɪ/

1. A bet that links together two or more wagers, with the potential for higher payouts.
- Example: He placed a parlay on three different football games, hoping for a big return.
2. An act or instance of parlaying, especially in sports betting.
- Example: Winning the parlay brought him a windfall that he hadn't anticipated.

1. To bet or gamble on a series of connected events, where the stakes of one bet are used to fund the next.
- Example: He decided to parlay his initial winnings into a larger bet on the final game.
2. To leverage or use something for a greater advantage or profit.
- Example: She was able to parlay her success in the small business into a much larger enterprise.

Originating from the early 19th century, possibly from the French 'parier', meaning 'to bet'.

parlay a bet:

To combine multiple wagers into one.

parlay one's winnings:

To use the profits from a previous bet to make new bets.

parlay into something:

To use something as a means to achieve something greater.

betting:

The act of risking money on the outcome of an event.

gambling:

The practice of playing games of chance for money.

investment:

The action of investing money for profit.

Meaning: To leverage one's situation.

Example Sentence: He managed to parlay his experience into a better job offer.

Meaning: To turn a small win into a bigger opportunity.

Example Sentence: She twice parlayed her small earnings into something much bigger.