ante
[ an-tee ]
/ ˈæn ti /
noun
verb (used with object), an·ted or an·teed, an·te·ing.
Poker.
to put (one's initial stake) into the pot.
to produce or pay (one's share) (usually followed by up): He anted up his half of the bill.
verb (used without object), an·ted or an·teed, an·te·ing.
Poker.
to put one's initial stake into the pot.
Informal.
to pay (usually followed by up).
Origin of ante
1830–40,
Americanism; independent use of
ante-
Words nearby ante
British Dictionary definitions for ante up
ante
/ (ˈæntɪ) /
noun
the gaming stake put up before the deal in poker by the players
informal
a sum of money representing a person's share, as in a syndicate
up the ante informal
to increase the costs, risks, or considerations involved in taking an action or reaching a conclusion
whenever they reached their goal, they upped the ante by setting more complex challenges for themselves
verb -tes, -teing, -ted or -teed
to place (one's stake) in poker
(usually foll by up) informal, mainly US
to pay
Idioms and Phrases with ante up
ante up
Pay what is due, contribute; by extension, do one's share. For example, The trustees were asked to ante up $10,000 each for the new scholarship, or Tired of watching Joe sit around while they cleaned up, the roommates told him to ante up or move out. This expression comes from poker and other betting games, where to ante signifies making a bet or contribution to the pot before the cards are dealt. It was being used more loosely by the mid-1800s. Also see raise the ante.