gamble

• gambal (obsolete)

From earlier gamel, from Middle English *gamlen, *gamelen, variant of Middle English gamenen, from Old English gæmnian, gamnian, gamenian (“to joke; play”), related to Old English gamen (“joy; mirth; pleasure; entertainment; pastime; sport; game”), equivalent to game +‎ -le. Compare Old Danish gammel, Middle High German gamel (“pleasure; fun”). More at game.

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /ˈɡæm.bəl/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -æmbəl
• Homophone: gambol
• Hyphenation: gam‧ble

gamble (plural gambles)

1. A bet or wager.

   I had a gamble on the horses last weekend.

2. A significant risk, undertaken with a potential gain.
3. A risky venture.

   The sailors had taken many gambles with the sea and always won.

gamble (third-person singular simple present gambles, present participle gambling, simple past and past participle gambled)

1. To take a risk, with the potential of a positive outcome.
2. To play risky games, especially casino games, for monetary gain.

   Mark won half a million dollars gambling on horses.

3. (transitive) To risk (something) for potential gain.

   He gambled his reputation on the outcome.

4. To interact with equipment at a casino.

• Gambel, Lambeg