gamble

[gam-buhl]

verb (used without object)

gambled, gambling 

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)

gambled, gambling 

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

   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. 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

Other Word Forms

• gambler noun
• antigambling adjective
• nongambler noun
• outgamble verb (used with object)
• overgamble verb (used with object)
• progambling adjective
• regamble verb
• ungambled adjective
• ungambling adjective
• gambling noun

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

There will be many clubs wishing they had taken the gamble on him before.

From BBC

It’s a gamble for a party facing its lowest approval numbers since the Reagan era — and a calculated risk Democratic leaders felt feel compelled to take.

From Los Angeles Times

Nations gamble with the fates of their citizens; Enriquez is “outraged that the domination is so obvious and not even death can overcome it.”

From Los Angeles Times

The first minister warned voters not to "gamble" on Reform's "divisive noise" or Plaid's "fantasy politics" claiming they would "destroy" everything Labour has built since devolution.

From BBC

The major changes to qualifications and courses have been described as a "gamble" which pose "clear risks" by education experts.

From BBC

Related Words

• bet 
• long shot 
• venture 
• wager