ante
ante
an·te
I
/ˈænti/ noun , pl an·tes [ count ]
: the amount of money that a player must bet at the beginning of play in a poker game
— usually singular
The dealer called for a dollar ante.
see also penny-ante
raise the ante (
: to increase an amount or level: such as
a : to raise the cost or price
The popular actor first demanded twice the salary offered him but then kept upping the ante.
b : to increase the risk or possible harm that could result from something
— often + on
The new law ups the ante on [=increases penalties for] people who cheat on their taxes.
c : to set a higher standard or goal
— often + on
The film ups the ante on special effects.
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II
verb , antes, an·ted, an·te·ing
: to pay the amount of money required to start play in a poker game
[ no obj ] Did everyone at the table ante?
— usually + up
The dealer waited until everyone had anted up before he dealt the cards.
[ + obj ] Everyone anted up a dollar.
— often used figuratively
Parents are usually expected to ante up [=pay] for their children's college education.
They had to ante up [=pay] $5,000 to attend the senator's banquet.
