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View synonyms for gamble

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.

  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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a risky act or venture

  2. a bet, wager, or other risk or chance taken for possible monetary gain

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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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
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of gamble1

C18: probably variant of game 1
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Unlike traditional betting, in which customers gamble against bookmakers, prediction markets allow users to trade event contracts among themselves.

Read more on Barron's

A federal judge ruled against the government, but rebuked Bolton in his decision, writing he had "gambled with the national security of the United States".

Read more on BBC

It is, in essence, a bet on the business of speculation: Polymarket lets you gamble on almost anything, from the World Series to Ireland’s presidential election.

Read: Tesla made a gamble with its latest price cuts.

Read more on MarketWatch

See also: Tesla made a gamble with its latest price cuts.

Read more on MarketWatch

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gambitgamblers' fallacy