- to stake (winnings from one bet) on a subsequent wagerBrit equivalent: double up
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
par•lay /ˈpɑrleɪ, -li/USA pronunciation v., -layed, -lay•ing, n., pl. -lays.
v. [~ + object]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026v. [~ + object]
- to gamble (an original amount and its winnings) on a later betting event.
- Informal Termsto use (something, as assets) to get a relatively great gain:to parlay a modest inheritance into a huge fortune.
- a bet of an original sum and its winnings.
n. [countable]
par•lay
(pär′lā, -lē),USA pronunciation
v.t.
v.t.
- to bet or gamble (an original amount and its winnings) on a subsequent race, contest, etc.
- Informal Termsto use (one's money, talent, or other assets) to achieve a desired objective, as spectacular wealth or success:He parlayed a modest inheritance into a fortune.
- a bet of an original sum and the subsequent winnings.
- Latin pār; see pair
- Neapolitan Italian, plural of parolo, perh. derivative of paro equal
- French
- alteration of earlier paroli 1820–30, American.
n.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
parlay /ˈpɑːlɪ/ US Canadian vb (transitive)
'parlay' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):