ante

noun

an·te | \ ˈan-tē

Definition of ante

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a poker stake usually put up before the deal to build the pot The dealer called for a dollar ante.

2a : cost, price These improvements would raise the ante.

b : risk, stakes The new law ups the ante on tax cheats.

c : a level (as of achievement or intensity) regarded especially as a goal or standard a film that ups the ante on special effects

ante

verb

anted; anteing

Definition of ante (Entry 2 of 3)

: to put up (an ante) also : pay, produce —usually used with up had to ante up five thousand dollars to attend the senator's banquet

: pay up —usually used with up The dealer waited until everyone had anted up before he dealt the cards.