gamble

Meaning

Noun

1. A bet or wager.
2. A significant risk, undertaken with a potential gain.
3. A risky venture.

Verb

1. To take a risk, with the potential of a positive outcome.
2. To play risky games, especially casino games, for monetary gain.
3. (transitive) To risk (something) for potential gain.
4. To interact with equipment at a casino.

Synonyms

bet

wager

risk

stake

play

gambling

play games

adventure

chance

🎲

take a chance

venture

game

game of chance

sport

fight for

crapshoot

gaming

hazard

take chances

run a risk

recreation

run the risk

shot

speculate

spiel

stakes

toy with

try out

wealth

gambling game

play cards

nazard

assume the profit

draw for

game away

win by gambling

act

game of luck

amuse

bandy

bargain

betting

bombshell

brinkmanship

buck

charge

chess

contribution

estimate

game of hazard

Translations

Glücksspiel

jeu de hasard

pari

spielen

gokken

arriscar

zocken

gok

apostar

jouer

giocare

parier

aposta

apostar

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɡæm.bəl/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: *gamlen

Cognate with Middle High German: gamel

In summary

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.