What does "martingale" mean?
A piece of harness used on a horse to keep it from raising its head above a desired point.
Martingale
noun, verb
noun, verb ·3 syllables ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A piece of harness used on a horse to keep it from raising its head above a desired point.
- Grammar: martingale is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: arrest, bellyband, bit, blind.
- Usage evidence: If a gambler plays a fair game repeatedly, his payoff over time is a martingale.
How to use "martingale"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "martingale" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "martingale" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "martingale" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "martingale" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "arrest" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "martingale", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A piece of harness used on a horse to keep it from raising its head above a desired point.
- 2 spar under the bowsprit of a sailboat wordnet
- 3 A spar, or piece of rigging that strengthens the bowsprit.
- 4 a harness strap that connects the nose piece to the girth; prevents the horse from throwing back its head wordnet
- 5 A stochastic process for which the conditional expectation of future values given the sequence of all prior values is equal to the current value.
"If a gambler plays a fair game repeatedly, his payoff over time is a martingale."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A gambling strategy in which one doubles the stake after each loss.
- 7 A strap attached to the sword handle, preventing a sword being dropped if disarmed.
Verb
- 1 To employ the martingale strategy in gambling.
"The Russians were both martingaling it—doubling their bets when they lost."
Example
"If a gambler plays a fair game repeatedly, his payoff over time is a martingale."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "martingale"?
Common synonyms include: arrest, bellyband, bit, blind, blinders, brake.
How do you use "martingale" in a sentence?
If a gambler plays a fair game repeatedly, his payoff over time is a martingale.
Etymology
From Middle French martingale, from Occitan martegalo, feminine form of martegal, an inhabitant of Martigues, which is from Latin maritima. Alternatively from Spanish almártaga. The meaning in gambling may come from an old usage of "à la martingale" to mean absurdly, foolishly.https://people.math.harvard.edu/~ctm/home/text/class/sem/html/home/notes/martingales/martingales.pdf