gamble
nounverbcommon in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈɡæm.bəl//
A bet or wager.
noun
- 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.
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.
verb
- 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
To risk (something) for potential gain.
He gambled his reputation on the outcome.
- 4
To interact with equipment at a casino.
Forms
- plural
- gambles
- past tense
- gambled
- past participle
- gambled
- present participle
- gambling
- third person singular
- gambles