gamble

[ gam-buhl ]

verb (used without object)

, gam·bled, gam·bling.

1. to play at any game of chance for money or other stakes.
2. to stake or risk money, or anything of value, on the outcome of something involving chance:

   to gamble on a toss of the dice.

verb (used with object)

, gam·bled, gam·bling.

1. to lose or squander by betting (usually followed by away ):

   He gambled all his hard-earned money away in one night.

2. to wager or risk (money or something else of value):

   to gamble one's freedom.

3. to take a chance on; venture; risk:

   I'm gambling that our new store will be a success.

noun

1. any matter or thing involving risk or hazardous uncertainty.

   Synonyms: flier, speculation, hazard, venture

2. a venture in a game of chance for stakes, especially for high stakes.

gamble

/ ˈɡæmbəl /

verb

1. intr to play games of chance to win money
2. to risk or bet (money) on the outcome of an event, sport, etc
3. introften foll byon to act with the expectation of

   to gamble on its being a sunny day

4. often foll by away to lose by or as if by betting; squander

noun

1. a risky act or venture
2. a bet, wager, or other risk or chance taken for possible monetary gain

Derived Forms

• ˈgambler, noun
• ˈgambling, noun

Other Words From

• gambler noun
• anti·gambling adjective
• non·gambler noun
• outgamble verb (used with object) outgambled outgambling
• over·gamble verb (used with object) overgambled overgambling
• pro·gambling adjective
• re·gamble verb regambled regambling
• un·gambled adjective
• un·gambling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gamble¹

1150–1200; Middle English gamenen to play ( Old English gamenian ), with substitution of -le for -en; game ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of gamble¹

C18: probably variant of game ¹

Example Sentences

In 2022, many Twitch streamers like Canadian star xQc were offered what seemed like an infinite money glitch to gamble freely on Stake as long as they streamed their slot binges, blackjack games, and mini-games such as Plinko while live; xQc reportedly bet an estimated $685 million on the site with the company’s help.

From Slate

In response, Craven and Tehrani created Kick, a competitor streaming site, and tempted Twitch streamers with massive contracts to hop platforms and gamble freely.

From Slate

The only thing that’s changed is that the Stake watermarks now have clarifying text, often reading “Gamble Responsibly” or “This Is An #Ad,” in addition.

From Slate

Southgate's gamble on Luke Shaw's fitness for the Euros - and having to use the right-footed Kieran Trippier instead - was one of the biggest talking points for fans.

From BBC

During one production, shot near a creek where families picnicked, he watched the same depressing scene play out day after day: The adults would drink, gamble, fight and fling empty soju bottles, while the children would catch minnows in the water, occasionally cutting their feet on the broken glass.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bet
• long shot
• venture
• wager