What does gamble mean?
To gamble is to stake money or something of value on an uncertain outcome, typically in games of chance, with the hope of winning more than was wagered. The word also extends beyond casinos and card tables: people speak of gambling on an election, a business venture, or a career move, meaning they commit resources to a risky course whose success is not guaranteed. As a noun, a gamble denotes such a risky undertaking itself, as in "the merger proved a costly gamble." The word carries connotations that depend heavily on context — reckless or disreputable when it suggests losing money to chance, but daring and strategic in phrases like "a calculated gamble," where risk is weighed against potential reward. Derived forms include "gambler," "gambling," and the phrase "to gamble something away." Because risk-taking is so central to finance, sport, politics, and everyday decision-making, "gamble" remains a vivid and versatile word for describing choices made under uncertainty.
To play games of chance for money, or to take a risky action in the hope of a favorable result.
"They gambled their life savings on the failing restaurant."
An act of betting money or of taking a significant risk in the hope of gain.
"Buying shares in the untested startup was a huge gamble."
Standard pluralization applies.
"The casino's biggest gambles often pay off handsomely."
"Gamble" and "gambol" — frolicking and betting — were once spelling variants of the same word before English split them apart.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of gamble
The word "gamble" emerged in English in the early 18th century as a variant of "gambol," which meant to leap or skip playfully. Both trace back through Middle Low German and Old French roots relating to play. Over time, the two spellings diverged: "gambol" retained the older playful sense of frolicking, while "gamble" came to refer specifically to playing games of chance and, by extension, to taking risks generally.
Related word forms
How gamble is actually used
Commonly carries a negative connotation when applied to money due to associations with addiction and loss, but figurative uses like "take a gamble" can sound bold or entrepreneurial. The verb is far more frequent than the noun in modern usage.
Easily confused with gamble
"Gambol" means to run or jump playfully, while "gamble" means to bet or take risks — the two words share an origin but have entirely different meanings today.