Gamble
/ˈɡæm.bəl/noun
To risk money or something valuable on an uncertain outcome.
Did you know?The word entered English through Middle English gaming terms, and its root is tied to an old verb meaning “to play,” which is why gambling and games are historically blood relatives.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʰem-
“to yawn, gape; later extended in some branches to ideas of opening, activity, or play”
Ancient Greek
Greek
γῆμος / γάμος
“(not the source of English gamble; no direct line) — included?”
Old French
OF
gamble
“to play, sport, or engage in games”
Middle English
ME
gamblen
“to play games, frolic, or make merry”
Modern English
English
gamble
“to risk money or valuables on an uncertain result”