at a venture

phrase

: at random
… a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king …1 Kings 22:34 (King James Version)

Word History

First Known Use

1517, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at a venture was in 1517

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Cite this Entry

“At a venture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20a%20venture. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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