odds

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the ratio by which one better's wager is greater than that of another

   The bookie offered odds of two to one.

2. 2
   noun

   The ratio of the probability of an event happening to that of it not happening.

   I'd say the odds are strongly in favor of the sun rising tomorrow morning.

3. 3
   noun

   The ratio of winnings to stake in betting situations.

   I looked at the odds given by all bookmakers.

4. 4
   noun

   An advantage given to a weaker opponent in order to equalize the game when playing casually, usually by removing one of the stronger player's pieces or by giving the weaker player more time.

   She beat me with knight odds but lost with rook odds.

5. 5
   noun

   the likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring

6. 6
   noun

   plural of odd

Etymology

From odd (“uneven, strange”).