Calcutta
Calcutta (noun) means a betting pool in which participants bid to "own" a competitor or team in an event, then split the winnings if their pick does well. Example: “The golf club ran a calcutta before the weekend tournament, with members bidding on players.”
How to use Calcutta
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn auction-style betting pool where people bid to back a specific competitor, common at golf tournaments and horse races.
Lower-case "calcutta" (the betting pool) is a completely different thing from "Calcutta" the city — capitalize the city, not the wager.
Word forms
calcuttas plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The golf club ran a _____ before the weekend tournament, with members bidding on players.
Etymology
Named after Calcutta (now Kolkata), India's former capital, where this style of auction-pool betting is said to have become popular.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Calcutta
See all rhymes for Calcutta →Frequently asked questions
What does “Calcutta” mean?
The word “Calcutta” means a betting pool in which participants bid to "own" a competitor or team in an event, then split the winnings if their pick does well. In plain terms, an auction-style betting pool where people bid to back a specific competitor, common at golf tournaments and horse races.
How do you pronounce “Calcutta”?
“Calcutta” is pronounced kal-KUH-tuh (/kælˈkʌtə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Calcutta” in a sentence?
Here is “Calcutta” used in a sentence: “The golf club ran a calcutta before the weekend tournament, with members bidding on players.”
What part of speech is “Calcutta”?
“Calcutta” is a noun.
Is “Calcutta” a common word?
“Calcutta” is an uncommon word in modern English.