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

The election gamble failed, however, as the LDP lost its parliamentary majority in its worst result in over a decade.

From BBC

Wales had taken a selection gamble by only selecting two backs on the bench with no specialist centre or wing replacement.

From BBC

“I’m naturally risk averse so it was a difficult decision for me,” Sherman said about the fourth-down gamble.

From Los Angeles Times

Schmidt's big gamble of thrusting new rugby league recruit Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii into midfield for his first union game since his schooldays paid off handsomely.

From BBC

Head coach Joe Schmidt admitted picking Suaalii is a gamble, and that it was one that might not pay off immediately.

From BBC

Related Words

• bet
• long shot
• venture
• wager