Gamble

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈɡæm.bÉ™l/
• Rhymes: -æmbÉ™l
• Homophones: gambol

Origin

From Old English gamenian 'to play', either via a dialectal survival of Middle English gammlen, a variant of gamenen 'to play, jest, be merry', or via a derivative of gamel 'to play games'

Full definition of gamble

Noun

1. A significant risk, undertaken with a potential gain.
2. A risky venture''The sailors had taken many gambles with the sea and always won.

Verb

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