craps

noun

ˈkraps How to pronounce craps (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: a gambling game played with two dice
2
: crap entry 3 sense 2

Word History

Etymology

Louisiana French, from French crabs, craps, from English crabs lowest throw at hazard, from plural of crab entry 1

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of craps was in 1842

Rhymes for craps

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Browse Nearby Words

crappy
craps
crapshoot
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Cite this Entry

“Craps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/craps. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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Kids Definition

craps

plural noun
ˈkraps How to pronounce craps (audio)
: a gambling game played with two dice

More from Merriam-Webster on craps

Nglish: Translation of craps for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about craps

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