parlay definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

transitive verb (past and past participle par·layed, present participle par·lay·ing, 3rd person present singular par·lays)

Definition:

1. bet winnings: to stake an original bet and its winnings on a subsequent bet

2. use advantage: to make good use of an asset or advantage to obtain success

He parlayed his family connections into a prestigious job in the finance industry.

noun (plural par·lays)

Definition:

instance of betting winnings: a bet in which winnings from a previous bet are gambled

[Late 19th century. Alteration of paroli, via French< Italian parare "place a bet" < Latin, "prepare"]

Spelling Note


	parlay or parley? Do not confuse the spelling of parlay and parley, which sound similar. Parlay is a verb and noun referring to the betting of winnings on a subsequent bet. Parley is a verb and noun referring to talks or negotiations, especially with an enemy.