How to pronounce gambit
Say it like GAM-bit. Gambit has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GAM).
- GAM
- bit
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gambit pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GAMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- bitKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of gambit
American and British speakers say gambit in essentially the same way: /ˈɡæmbɪt/ in the US and /ˈɡæmbɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: GAM-bit.
What does gambit mean?
- An opening in chess in which material is sacrificed to gain an advantage.“Her clever gambit gave her an advantage.”
- Any ploy or stratagem.“Their promise to lower taxes is clearly an election-year gambit.”
- A remark intended to open a conversation.
- To sacrifice (a pawn or minor piece) to gain an advantage.
Where does gambit come from?
Borrowed from Italian gambetto (“act of tripping; gambit”), from gamba (“leg”) + -etto (diminutive suffix).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying gambit
How do you pronounce gambit?
Say GAM-bit. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡæmbɪt/. In British English it is /ˈɡæmbɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gambit?
Gambit has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GAM). Broken into parts: GAM · bit.
Do Americans and Brits say gambit the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɡæmbɪt/ and the British form is /ˈɡæmbɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.