noun

parlay

PAH-lay

Parlay (noun) means a bet in which the original stake and all its winnings are rolled forward into further bets. Example: “He turned a $10 parlay into a $400 payout by picking four winning teams in a row.”

noun

A bet in which the original stake and all its winnings are rolled forward into further bets.

"He turned a $10 parlay into a $400 payout by picking four winning teams in a row."

verb

To turn something small into something much bigger through a series of successful moves.

"She parlayed her internship into a full-time job offer."

"He parlayed his winnings into an even bigger bet."

How to use parlay

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo roll winnings or an early success forward into something bigger, whether in gambling or in life.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "parley" (a conference or truce talk) — they sound alike but come from separate word histories.

Easily confused with

parley →

Common pairings

parlay winnings a five-team parlay parlay success into

Word forms

parlays plural

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He turned a $10 _____ into a $400 payout by picking four winning teams in a row.

Etymology

From Italian paroli, "doubled stake," via French — unrelated in origin to "parley," despite the similar sound.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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double up

Rhymes for parlay

ay may day say ray hay lay pay jay way yay nay

See all rhymes for parlay →

Frequently asked questions

What does “parlay” mean?

The word “parlay” means a bet in which the original stake and all its winnings are rolled forward into further bets. In plain terms, to roll winnings or an early success forward into something bigger, whether in gambling or in life.

How do you pronounce “parlay”?

“Parlay” is pronounced PAH-lay (/ˈpɑɹˌleɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “parlay” in a sentence?

Here is “parlay” used in a sentence: “She parlayed her internship into a full-time job offer.”

What part of speech is “parlay”?

Depending on how it is used, “parlay” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “parlay” come from?

The word “parlay” comes from French. From Italian paroli, "doubled stake," via French — unrelated in origin to "parley," despite the similar sound.

How many meanings does “parlay” have?

“Parlay” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a bet in which the original stake and all its winnings are rolled forward into further bets.