What does "parlay" mean?
A bet or series of bets where the stake and winnings are cumulatively carried forward; an accumulator.
Parlay
/ˈpɑːleɪ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A bet or series of bets where the stake and winnings are cumulatively carried forward; an accumulator.
- Grammar: parlay is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: add to, aggrandize, amplify, ante.
- Useful contrasts: cash out, decline to bargain, dissipation.
- Usage evidence: Actors and sports stars often parlay their celebrity into endorsement deals.
How to use "parlay"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "parlay" 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 "parlay" 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 "parlay" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "parlay" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "parlay" 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 "add to" 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.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "parlay", 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 bet or series of bets where the stake and winnings are cumulatively carried forward; an accumulator.
"GARNETT. (Sharply.) Would someone mind telling a visitor the details of this Operation Snitch? / DENNIS. Kind of a three-horse-parlay, Cliff: Posenleben, Schweinhafen … (Eyes Prescott and Jenks.) And one other."
- 2 a series of wagers in which the winnings from one wager are used as a stake for the subsequent wagers wordnet
Verb
- 1 To carry forward the stake and winnings from a bet on to a subsequent wager or series of wagers. ambitransitive
- 2 stake winnings from one bet on a subsequent wager wordnet
- 3 To increase (an asset, money, etc.) by gambling or investing in a daring manner. broadly, transitive
"Shall we parlay the value of our products?"
- 4 To convert (a situation, thing, etc.) into something better. broadly, transitive
"They believe that if [Roy] Harris can maintain his standing among the leading heavyweights, they can parlay this rating with Texas enthusiasm and oil money into enticing Floyd Patterson into coming down and defending his heavyweight title against Roy."
- 5 Alternative spelling of parley (“to have a discussion, especially one between enemies”). alt-of, alternative, intransitive
""That is droll. Listen yet one time. You are very spiritual. Can you make a honorable lady of Her?" / "Don't be so malicious," says Mr. Bucket. / "Or a haughty gentleman of Him?" cries Madamoiselle, referring to Sir Leicester with ineffable disdain. "Eh! O then regard him! The poor infant! Ha! ha! ha!" / "Come, come, why this is worse Parlaying than the other," says Mr. Bucket. "Come along!""
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Actors and sports stars often parlay their celebrity into endorsement deals."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "parlay"?
Common synonyms include: add to, aggrandize, amplify, ante, ante up, augment.
How do you use "parlay" in a sentence?
Actors and sports stars often parlay their celebrity into endorsement deals.
How do you pronounce "parlay"?
Pronounced /ˈpɑːleɪ/.
Etymology
The verb is derived from paroli (“cumulative bet in card games”), possibly modified under the influence of French parler (“to speak, talk”). Paroli is derived from French paroli (“double stake”), from Italian paroli, plural of parolo (first-person singular present indicative of parare (“to protect or shield (from); to prepare”), from Latin parāre, present active infinitive of parō (“to arrange, prepare; to furnish, provide”), from Proto-Indo-European *per- (“to go through; to carry forth, fare”)) + Italian -lo (suffix meaning ‘it; this or that thing’). The noun is derived from the verb.