Dictionary.com

gamble

[ gam-buhl ]
/ ˈgƦm bəl /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: gamble / gambled / gambling / gambler on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object), gamĀ·bled, gamĀ·bling.
to play at any game of chance for money or other stakes.
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), gamĀ·bled, gamĀ·bling.
noun
any matter or thing involving risk or hazardous uncertainty.
a venture in a game of chance for stakes, especially for high stakes.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of gamble

1150–1200; Middle English gamenen to play (Old English gamenian), with substitution of -le for -en;see game1

OTHER WORDS FROM gamble

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH gamble

gamble , gambol
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Ā© Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use gamble in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for gamble

gamble
/ (ˈɔæmbəl) /

verb
(intr) to play games of chance to win money
to risk or bet (money) on the outcome of an event, sport, etc
(intr often foll by on) to act with the expectation ofto gamble on its being a sunny day
(often foll by away) to lose by or as if by betting; squander
noun
a risky act or venture
a bet, wager, or other risk or chance taken for possible monetary gain

Derived forms of gamble

gambler, noungambling, noun

Word Origin for gamble

C18: probably variant of game 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition Ā© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 Ā© HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK