gamble

SayGAM-buhl/ˈɡæm.bəl/

Noun pluralgambles

7 meanings of gamble

1
verbintransitive
To play games of chance, especially casino games, for the chance of winning money.
She gambles every Friday at the riverboat casino downtown.
They gamble cautiously, never betting more than they can afford to lose.
Similarbet, wager, game
2
verbintransitive
To take a significant risk in the hope of a favorable outcome.
Investors gamble on startups that may either soar or collapse.
He gambled on an early product launch and won a huge share of the market.
Similarbet, speculate
3
verbtransitive
To stake something of value on an uncertain outcome in the hope of gain.
She gambled her reputation on the controversial study.
They gamble enormous sums on commodity prices each quarter.
Similarstake, risk, bet, wager, hazard
4
nouncountable
A significant risk taken in the hope of a worthwhile gain.
Moving abroad without a job lined up was a real gamble.
The general's surprise attack was a gamble that changed the war.
Similarrisk, chance
Oppositecertainty
5
nouncountable
A venture undertaken despite a real chance that it will fail.
The merger was a gamble that the board ultimately approved.
Investing everything in one crop is a dangerous gamble for farmers.
Similarrisk, venture, speculation
Oppositecertainty
6
nouncountable
A sum of money staked on an uncertain outcome; a bet.
He lost his entire gamble on the final hand of poker.
A reckless gamble at the racetrack cost her a month's wages.
Similarbet, wager, stake
7
verbintransitive
To play the slot machines or other gaming equipment found in a casino.
She gambles on the slot machines every time she's in town.
Visitors gamble at row after row of electronic machines.
Similarbet, play

Practice

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Origin

It comes from earlier 'gamel', from Middle English variants of 'gamenen', going back to Old English 'gamenian' ('to joke; play'), which is related to Old English 'gamen' ('joy, mirth, pastime, sport, game'). In effect it is 'game' plus the ending '-le', with cognates in Old Danish 'gammel' and Middle High German 'gamel' ('pleasure, fun').