plural gambits
1
: a planned series of moves at the beginning of a game of chess
Note: A gambit usually involves losing a piece, such as a pawn, in order to gain an advantage later in the game.
2
: something done or said in order to gain an advantage or to produce a desired result
a conversational gambit
Their opening gambit [=their first move] in the negotiations was to demand a wage hike.
Cite this Entry
“Gambit.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/gambit. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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