craps: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to slang; technical (in gambling contexts).
Quick answer
What does “craps” mean?
A dice game in which players bet on the outcome of a pair of dice.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dice game in which players bet on the outcome of a pair of dice.
Used in the expression "the craps" to mean the game itself; "craps" also refers to the lowest possible throw (two, three, or twelve) in a first roll, which loses immediately ("crapping out"). As a slang noun, can mean nonsense or worthless things; as a verb, "to crap out" means to fail or give up.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The game is known in both cultures but is more culturally central and frequently referenced in American English. In British slang, "crap" is the more common form for nonsense/excrement; "craps" as the game name is an American import.
Connotations
In the US, strongly associated with casinos, gambling culture, and street gambling. In the UK, retains its American flavour and may be less familiar to non-gamblers.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to cultural prominence of the game.
Grammar
How to Use “craps” in a Sentence
play + crapsshoot + crapsroll + a + number + in + crapslose + at + crapsbet + on + crapsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “craps” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He crapped out on the first roll and lost his bet.
- I think the engine's about to crap out on us.
American English
- If you crap out by rolling a two, you lose the pass line bet.
- Don't crap out on me now—we need to finish this!
adjective
British English
- It was a craps deal from the start. (slang, rare)
- He's got a craps attitude.
American English
- That's a craps shoot whether we'll get funding. (from 'crapshoot')
- It's a total craps game trying to predict the weather.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the casino/gambling industry.
Academic
Rare, possibly in historical/sociological studies of gambling.
Everyday
Informal; used when discussing games or gambling. Slang use for nonsense is common.
Technical
Specific to gambling; refers to rules, bets, and procedures of the game.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “craps”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “craps”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “craps”
- Treating it as a plural only (e.g., 'craps are' for the game). Using 'crap' (singular) to mean the game. Incorrect: 'Let's play a crap.' Correct: 'Let's play craps.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring to the game, it is grammatically singular: 'Craps is popular in Las Vegas.' The form is plural, but usage is singular.
'Craps' is primarily the name of the dice game. 'Crap' is a vulgar/slang term for excrement or things of poor quality. They are etymologically related, but 'craps' is a specific fixed term for the game.
It comes from an earlier game called 'hazard'. The term 'crabs' was used for a losing throw in hazard, which evolved into 'craps' in American English.
Yes, mainly in the slang phrase 'crapshoot' meaning a risky, unpredictable matter, and the verb phrase 'crap out' meaning to fail or stop working.
A dice game in which players bet on the outcome of a pair of dice.
Craps is usually informal to slang; technical (in gambling contexts). in register.
Craps: in British English it is pronounced /kræps/, and in American English it is pronounced /kræps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “shoot craps”
- “crap out”
- “the dice are loaded”
- “on a roll (related)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine CRAPS sounds like 'CRASH' of dice on a table. C-R-A-P-S: Casinos Roll And People Shout.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A GAMBLE / FAILURE IS LOSING A DICE THROW ('crapped out').
Practice
Quiz
In the game of craps, what is the term for rolling a two, three, or twelve on the first throw?