Advertisement

View synonyms for

gamble

[ gam-buhl ]

verb (used without object)

gambled, gambling.
  1. to play at any game of chance for money or other stakes.
  2. to stake or risk money, or anything of value, on the outcome of something involving chance:

    to gamble on a toss of the dice.



verb (used with object)

gambled, gambling.
  1. to lose or squander by betting (usually followed by away ):

    He gambled all his hard-earned money away in one night.

  2. to wager or risk (money or something else of value):

    to gamble one's freedom.

  3. to take a chance on; venture; risk:

    I'm gambling that our new store will be a success.

noun

  1. any matter or thing involving risk or hazardous uncertainty.

    Synonyms: , , ,

  2. a venture in a game of chance for stakes, especially for high stakes.

gamble

/ ˈɡæə /

verb

  1. intr to play games of chance to win money
  2. to risk or bet (money) on the outcome of an event, sport, etc
  3. introften foll byon to act with the expectation of

    to gamble on its being a sunny day

  4. often foll by away to lose by or as if by betting; squander
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a risky act or venture
  2. a bet, wager, or other risk or chance taken for possible monetary gain
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˈ, noun
  • ˈԲ, noun
Discover More

Other Word Forms

  • b noun
  • t·bԲ adjective
  • non·b noun
  • dzܳgb verb (used with object) outgambled outgambling
  • v·b verb (used with object) overgambled overgambling
  • ·bԲ adjective
  • ·b verb regambled regambling
  • ܲ·b adjective
  • ܲ·bԲ adjective
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of gamble1

1150–1200; Middle English gamenen to play ( Old English gamenian ), with substitution of -le for -en; game 1
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of gamble1

C18: probably variant of game 1
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It was kind of a gamble, but my younger brother, who is also interested in Imax, encouraged me.

From

You don't know what character you are getting until you unseal the package, so it's always a gamble for collectors.

From

But it may be a gamble worth taking - for all involved.

From

The fact that UK customers can't gamble with some of these companies doesn't necessarily mean the advertisement has zero impact on British spectators, however.

From

“Farming is uncertain and a risk and a gamble, as it is. We don’t need more of that,” she said.

From

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


gambitgamblers' fallacy