gamble

Meanings

Noun

• A bet or wager.
• A significant risk, undertaken with a potential gain.
• A risky venture.

Verb

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

Origin

• From earlier gamel, from Middle English *gamlen, *gamelen, variant of Middle English gamenen, from Old English gæmnian, gamnian, gamenian, related to Old English gamen, equivalent to game + -le. Compare Old Danish gammel, Middle High German gamel ("pleasure; fun"). More at game.