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