verb
gamble
GAM-buhl
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."
2
To take a chance on something uncertain, hoping for a good result.
"She gambled on the new business idea despite the risk."
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."
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
gambol
Common pairings
gamble on something
take a gamble
gamble away your money
Word Forms
gambled past tense, gambles plural, Gambles plural, gambles singular
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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.