n.
Pronunciation: ' bet
Function: noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1592
1 a : something that is laid, staked, or pledged typically between two parties on the outcome of a contest or a contingent issue : WAGER ― often used figuratively in such phrases as all bets are off to stress the uncertainty of an outcome b : the act of giving such a pledge
2 : something to wager on
3 : a choice made by consideration of probabilities <your best bet is the back road>