croupier: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (Gambling)
Quick answer
What does “croupier” mean?
A person employed by a casino to run a gaming table, handling bets and paying out winnings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person employed by a casino to run a gaming table, handling bets and paying out winnings.
The term can be used metaphorically for any person or entity that facilitates or oversees a transaction or game involving money or risk.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs.
Connotations
Neutral, associated with casinos, professional gambling, and a specific job role.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, appearing only in gambling-related contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “croupier” in a Sentence
The croupier + Verb (dealt, announced, collected, paid out)Croupier + of + Game (croupier of roulette)Croupier + at + Casino (croupier at the MGM Grand)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of the gambling and hospitality industries.
Academic
Rare, may appear in sociological or economic studies of gambling.
Everyday
Very rare, used only when specifically discussing casino visits.
Technical
Standard term within the casino and gaming industry.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “croupier”
- Spelling: 'croupiere', 'croupeir'. Using it for any card game dealer outside a casino.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In a casino context, yes, 'dealer' is a common synonym. However, 'croupier' is more formal and specifically denotes the professional, casino-employed role.
No, it would sound strange and overly formal. Use 'dealer' for informal settings.
To facilitate the game according to strict house rules, manage bets and payouts accurately, and ensure the game proceeds smoothly and fairly.
Not inherently. It is a neutral job title, though its association with gambling can carry moral connotations depending on the speaker's view of casinos.
A person employed by a casino to run a gaming table, handling bets and paying out winnings.
Croupier is usually formal, technical (gambling) in register.
Croupier: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkruː.pi.eɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkruː.pi.ər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The croupier's smile (an impersonal, professional expression)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person in a crisp uniform 'croup'-ing (squatting) slightly to reach the table, then standing 'ier' (higher) to oversee the bets.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CASINO IS A THEATRE (the croupier is a performer/facilitator). RISK IS A GAME (the croupier is the rule-enforcer).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'croupier' most appropriately used?