verb
Uncommon
gamble
GAM-buhl
Gamble (verb) means to bet money or stake something valuable on an uncertain outcome, especially in games of chance. Example: “They gambled away their savings at the casino.”
verb
1
To bet money or stake something valuable on an uncertain outcome, especially in games of chance.
"They gambled away their savings at the casino."
"He likes to gamble on horse races every weekend."
"My uncle would gamble every Friday night until he promised to stop."
2
To take a chance on something uncertain, hoping for a good result.
"She gambled on the new business idea despite the risk."
"The coach gambled on a young player, hoping he would score."
"I would not gamble on the weather staying dry for the picnic."
noun
1
A risky decision or venture undertaken in hope of a payoff.
"Moving to a new city with no job lined up was a real gamble."
"Investing in the startup was a gamble that paid off."
"Opening a cafe in such a quiet street felt like a big gamble."
How to use gamble
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo risk money or take a chance on an uncertain outcome, or the risky action itself.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "gambol" (to skip or frolic playfully) — they sound similar but are unrelated.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
gamble on something
take a gamble
gamble away your money
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Word forms
- Plural
- gambles
- Third person singular
- gambles
- Past tense
- gambled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They _____ away their savings at the casino.
Etymology
From an earlier form gamel, related to Old English gamenian ("to play, joke"), itself from gamen ("game, amusement") — so gambling and gaming share the same root.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for gamble
See all rhymes for gamble →Frequently asked questions
What does “gamble” mean?
The word “gamble” means to bet money or stake something valuable on an uncertain outcome, especially in games of chance. In plain terms, to risk money or take a chance on an uncertain outcome, or the risky action itself.
How do you pronounce “gamble”?
“Gamble” is pronounced GAM-buhl (/ˈɡæm.bəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “gamble” in a sentence?
Here is “gamble” used in a sentence: “They gambled away their savings at the casino.”
What part of speech is “gamble”?
Depending on how it is used, “gamble” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “gamble” come from?
The word “gamble” comes from Old English. From an earlier form gamel, related to Old English gamenian ("to play, joke"), itself from gamen ("game, amusement") — so gambling and gaming share the same root.
Is “gamble” a common word?
“Gamble” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gamble” have?
“Gamble” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to bet money or stake something valuable on an uncertain outcome, especially in games of chance.
What is the difference between gamble and bet?
Gamble and bet are closely related, but bet often refers to a single wager on a specific outcome, while gamble can describe the broader activity or habit of risking money on chance, such as gambling at a casino. Gamble is also used more broadly for any risky decision, not just money.
What is the difference between a literal gamble and a figurative gamble?
Literally, a gamble means betting money on a game of chance, such as a casino game. Figuratively, a gamble refers to any risky decision or venture taken in hope of a good outcome, such as "taking a gamble on a new job."
Is gamble always related to money?
No, gamble can describe taking a chance on any uncertain outcome, not just financial risk. For example, "gambling on the weather" or "a calculated gamble" both use the word without involving betting money.
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