gambler

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gambler" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who plays games of chance for money, typically in contexts related to gambling or betting. Example: "The gambler placed a large bet on the final race, hoping for a big win."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not even he, the great compulsive DRS gambler, had the gall to put his shirt on this one.

The Guardian - Sport

There is no law of averages for the serious gambler.

The Guardian - Sport

Baron Cohen had been due to make his debut for the Pulp Fiction director in his much-hyped 19th-century Deep South-set follow up to Inglourious Basterds, cameoing in the role of Scotty Harmony, a gambler who buys the title character's enslaved wife as a companion.

The Guardian - Film

The bowling always seems to be of less concern while Australia boasts such varied pace options, though it would be a brave gambler who staked anything on predicting Nathan Lyon's understudy.

The Guardian - Sport

In court, Adelson steadfastly maintained that Cheung was merely a gambler and of no great significance to the company.

The Guardian

The most rational of the characters, Scott, by now pushing 25, plays Mary Astor's rebellious 19-year-old daughter who has run away from finishing school and fallen for a psychotic gambler (John Hodiak), who is obsessed with her mother, while his sidekick (Wendell Corey) is obsessed with him.

The Guardian - Film

Mrs Al-Daher, who is known to western acquaintances as Nora, argued that the casino had been "under a duty of care" towards her as its staff knew she was a gambling addict or problem gambler and should have restrained her from betting.

The Guardian

At different points in his life, Duchamp was the following: professional chess player, self-publisher, painter, volunteer for military service, art dealer, gambler, inventor, librarian, secretary to a French war mission in the second world war.

The Guardian - Arts

Saltzman was, by all accounts, the ultimate caricature of the movie producer: warm, loud, crass, a consummate gambler with the requisite rackety past, a keen eye for the main chance and a tight fist around the purse strings.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A non-gambler might imagine the casino to be a dingy, smoke-filled basement where booze is trafficked and the sun never shines.

The Guardian

Somewhat like a problem-gambler, it is blaming its losses on poor global economic conditions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gambler" when referring to someone who regularly participates in games of chance, but be mindful of the term's potential negative connotations, especially when discussing problem gambling.

Common error

Avoid using "gambler" to describe someone who simply takes risks in business or life; reserve the term for those specifically involved in games of chance for money.

Linguistic Context

The noun "gambler" primarily functions as a subject or object within a sentence, referring to an individual who participates in games of chance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a commonly used term to describe such individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Film

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "gambler" is a common noun used to describe someone who engages in games of chance, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news articles, film reviews, and sports reports. While its register is generally neutral, it is important to be aware of potential negative connotations. Alternatives like "bettor" or "risk taker" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the versatile usage of "gambler" in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bettor

Refers specifically to someone who places bets, often in a sporting or racing context.

punter

A common term in British English for someone who bets, especially on horse races.

wagerer

A more formal synonym for someone who bets money.

high roller

Refers to a gambler who bets large amounts of money.

gamester

An old-fashioned term for a gambler, often carrying a negative connotation.

risk taker

Emphasizes the aspect of taking chances, not necessarily in a gambling setting.

chance taker

Highlights the willingness to accept uncertainty and potential loss.

speculator

Someone who invests in risky ventures, often with the hope of high returns, similar to a gambler in financial markets.

player

Broader term encompassing anyone participating in a game, including games of chance.

adventurer

Someone who seeks out new and daring experiences, often involving risk.

FAQs

What is the definition of "gambler"?

A "gambler" is someone who plays games of chance for money or other stakes, often with the risk of losing.

What are some synonyms for "gambler"?

Alternatives to "gambler" include "bettor", "wagerer", "punter", and "risk taker" depending on the context.

How can I use "gambler" in a sentence?

Example: "The seasoned "gambler" placed a high bet on the final race."

Is it appropriate to use "gambler" to describe someone who takes business risks?

While business ventures involve risk, using "gambler" in this context may carry a negative connotation. Consider using terms like "entrepreneur" or "investor" instead, depending on the situation.