GAMBLE


Meaning of GAMBLE in English

I. ˈgam-bəl verb

( gam·bled ; gam·bling -b(ə-)liŋ)

Etymology: probably back-formation from gambler, probably alteration of obsolete gamner, from obsolete gamen to play

Date: 1772

intransitive verb

1.

a. : to play a game for money or property

b. : to bet on an uncertain outcome

2. : to stake something on a contingency : take a chance

transitive verb

1. : to risk by gambling : wager

2. : venture , hazard

• gam·bler -blər noun

II. noun

Date: 1823

1.

a. : an act having an element of risk

b. : something chancy

2. : the playing of a game of chance for stakes

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.