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Added 9 October 2026

gamble

/ˈɡæm.bəl/ noun

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about gamble at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A bet or wager.
I had a gamble on the horses last weekend.
A significant risk, undertaken with a potential gain.
A risky venture.
The sailors had taken many gambles with the sea and always won.

verb

To take a risk, with the potential of a positive outcome.
To play risky games, especially casino games, for monetary gain.
Mark won half a million dollars gambling on horses.
To risk (something) for potential gain.
He gambled his reputation on the outcome.

Origin

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.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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