Definition of "gambit" in English

noun

1. (chess) An opening in chess in which a minor piece or a pawn is sacrificed to gain an advantage.

   • Her clever gambit gave her an advantage.

2. Any ploy or stratagem.

   • Their promise to lower taxes is clearly an election-year gambit.

3. A remark intended to open a conversation.

verb

1. (chess, transitive) To sacrifice (a pawn or minor piece) to gain an advantage.