bet

verb (bets, betting; pastand past participle bet or betted)

• 1 [no object] risk something, usually a sum of money, against someone else’s on the basis of the outcome of a future event, such as the result of a race or game:betting on horses [with clause]:I would be prepared to bet that what he really wanted was to settle down [with object]:most people would bet their life savings on this prospect
• [with object] risk a sum of money against (someone) on the outcome or happening of a future event: [with two objects]:I’ll bet you $15 you won’t find a single scratch

• 2 [with clause] informal feel sure:I bet this place is really spooky late at night he’ll be surprised to see me, I’ll bet

noun

• an act of risking a sum of money on the outcome of a future event:every Saturday she had a bet on the horses
• a sum of money staked on the outcome of a future event:the bookies are taking bets on his possible successor
• [with adjective] informal a candidate or course of action to choose; an option:your best bet is to call a professional exterminator
• (one's bet) informal an opinion, typically one formed quickly or spontaneously:my bet is that the president will veto the bill