gamble

See also: Gamble

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From earlier gamel, from Middle English *gamlen, *gamelen, variant of Middle English gamenen, from Old English gæmnian, gamnian, gamenian (“to joke; play”), related to Old English gamen (“joy; mirth; pleasure; entertainment; pastime; sport; game”), equivalent to game +‎ -le. Compare Old Danish gammel, Middle High German gamel (“pleasure; fun”). More at game.

Pronunciation
  • (UK, US) IPA(key): /ˈɡæm.bəl/
  • Audio (Southern England)(file)
  • Rhymes: -æmbəl
  • Homophone: gambol

Noun

gamble (plural gambles)

  1. A bet or wager.
    I had a gamble on the horses last weekend.
  2. A significant risk, undertaken with a potential gain.
  3. A risky venture.
    The sailors had taken many gambles with the sea and always won.

Derived terms

Translations
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Verb

gamble (third-person singular simple present gambles, present participle gambling, simple past and past participle gambled)

  1. To take a risk, with the potential of a positive outcome.
  2. To play risky games, especially casino games, for monetary gain.
    Mark won half a million dollars gambling on horses.
  3. (transitive) To risk (something) for potential gain.
    He gambled his reputation on the outcome.
  4. To interact with equipment at a casino.

Translations
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Translations to be checked

See also

Anagrams
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