noun C2 Proficient

gambit

GAM-biht

Gambit (noun) means In chess, an opening move where a player deliberately gives up a pawn or piece to gain a stronger position. Example: “He opened with the Queen's Gambit, offering up a pawn to control the center.”

noun

In chess, an opening move where a player deliberately gives up a pawn or piece to gain a stronger position.

"He opened with the Queen's Gambit, offering up a pawn to control the center."

Any calculated move or strategy, especially one that involves an initial small sacrifice or risk for a later advantage.

"Cutting prices for the first month was a gambit to win over new customers."

"Her resignation turned out to be a clever gambit to force the board's hand."

A remark made to start or steer a conversation.

"He opened with a weather-related gambit before getting to the real topic."

How to use gambit

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA strategic move, often one that costs something upfront in order to gain an edge later.

Common pairings

a risky gambit a clever gambit an opening gambit pull off a gambit

Word forms

gambited past tense, gambits plural, gambits singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He opened with the Queen's _____, offering up a pawn to control the center.

Etymology

From Italian gambetto, "a tripping up," from gamba ("leg") — the chess sense entered English in the 1600s.

Origin: Italian · First attested 1600

Class of 1600 gambit joined the language around 1600.

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Synonyms

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ploy stratagem

Related words

trick tactic ploy stratagem Trojan horse ply

Frequently asked questions

What does “gambit” mean?

The word “gambit” means in chess, an opening move where a player deliberately gives up a pawn or piece to gain a stronger position. In plain terms, a strategic move, often one that costs something upfront in order to gain an edge later.

How do you pronounce “gambit”?

“Gambit” is pronounced GAM-biht (/ˈɡæmbɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “gambit” in a sentence?

Here is “gambit” used in a sentence: “He opened with the Queen's Gambit, offering up a pawn to control the center.”

What part of speech is “gambit”?

“Gambit” is a noun.

Where does the word “gambit” come from?

The word “gambit” dates back to around 1600 and comes from Italian. From Italian gambetto, "a tripping up," from gamba ("leg") — the chess sense entered English in the 1600s.

How many meanings does “gambit” have?

“Gambit” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in chess, an opening move where a player deliberately gives up a pawn or piece to gain a stronger position.

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Vocabulary lists that include gambit:

Words with Italian origins C2 vocabulary words

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