gamble

Plural: gambles

Noun

money that is risked for possible monetary gain
a risky act or venture
A bet or wager.
A significant risk, undertaken with a potential gain.
A risky venture.

Verb

Verb Forms: gambled, gambling, gambles

To play a game of chance, often for money or a desired outcome.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
play games for money
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.

Examples

He gambled his reputation on the outcome.
I had a gamble on the horses last weekend.
Mark won half a million dollars gambling on horses.
Sometimes you have to GAMBLE on a risky word to clear your rack in Words With Friends.
The sailors had taken many gambles with the sea and always won.

Origin / Etymology

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.

Synonyms

adventure, chance, hazard, risk, run a risk, take a chance, take chances

Scrabble Score: 11

gamble: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
gamble: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
gamble: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 15

gamble: valid Words With Friends Word