Definition of "odds" in English

noun

1. 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.

2. The ratio of winnings to stake in betting situations.

   • I looked at the odds given by all bookmakers.

3. (chess) 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.
   • The grandmaster gave his opponents significant time odds, of one minute versus ten minutes.

noun

1. plural of odd