Gambling
/ˈɡæm.blɪŋ/noun
The act of risking money or valuables on an uncertain outcome, especially a game of chance.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Old French and medieval English roots tied to playing games, not any ancient occult term—though the modern idea of “tempting fate” is exactly why it feels so charged.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*gam-
“a root associated with playing or sport”
Old English
OE
gamen
“amusement, play, sport, joy”
Old French
OF
gambiller
“to dance, skip, move about playfully”
Middle English
ME
gamblen
“to play games for stakes; to gamble”
Modern English
English
gambling
“risking money or valuables on an uncertain outcome”