gambling

noun

gam·​bling ˈgam-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce gambling (audio)
: the practice or activity of betting : the practice of risking money or other stakes in a game or bet
illegal gambling
compulsive gambling
Then, within the past 18 months, after the explosion in Internet gambling … and the cable TV debut of the World Poker Tour, the game took off again.Walter Kirn
often used before another noun
a gambling game
gambling regulations
a gambling empire

Examples of gambling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families. Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025 The couple is on a honeymoon trip to Western Europe, but Dostoyevsky’s gambling addiction threatens to ruin them both. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025 During Toney’s eight-month ban for breaking gambling rules and then departure from the club, Wissa transitioned from a winger to a striker as can be seen below. Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 22 May 2025 The son of late casino legend Stanley Ho, the younger Ho has also been expanding his gambling empire beyond Macau following Beijing’s years-long crackdown on capital outflow through gambling in the Asian gaming hub. Zinnia Lee, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for gambling

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gambling was in 1700

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Cite this Entry

“Gambling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gambling. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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