Gambol
/ˈɡæmbəl/
verbnounB2
Definition
To gambol is to move about in a joyful, playful way, often by jumping or running with energy and fun. It describes actions that show happiness and freedom, like children or animals playing outside. As a noun, gambol means a playful jump or leap.
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See It in Action
Verb: To run or jump playfully and happily
- •The children gambolled in the garden on a sunny day.
- •Lambs gambol across the meadow in spring.
- •The puppies gambol happily around the yard.
Noun: A playful jump or skip
- •The lamb’s gambol was a delight to watch.
- •Her gambol across the room showed her excitement.
- •The dog’s gambol made everyone smile.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "gambol" like "run" (A1 word), but with happy, playful energy—not just moving fast, but having fun while moving
- ✓Picture a puppy jumping and running in a park, full of joy and excitement
- ✓It's the feeling when you are so happy you want to jump and dance around without care
- ✓Sounds like "GAM-bowl" → imagine a bowl full of games that make you jump and play happily
- ✓Think of playful lambs or kids in springtime, gamboling in green fields with no worries
- ✓NOT like "walk" (slow and calm), gambol is quick, lively, and joyful movement
- ✓NOT like "run" (can be serious or fast), gambol is always fun and playful
- ✓As a noun, NOT a serious jump or leap, but a light, happy skip or jump
Try Other Words
- •Frolic: to play and move happily and energetically (Use when emphasizing lively, joyful play)
- •Skip: to move by hopping lightly on one foot after the other (Use when the movement is light and rhythmic)
- •Prance: to walk or move in a lively, proud way, often like a horse (Use when movement is proud or showy)
- •Romp: to play roughly and energetically (Use when play is noisy and energetic)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No clear prefix or suffix; "gambol" is a whole root word
- •Etymology: From Old French "gambader," meaning to leap about, from "gambe" meaning leg or foot
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 16th century, originally meaning to leap or frolic about
- •Modern usage: Mostly poetic or literary to describe joyful, playful running or jumping, often used with animals or children
Reflect & Connect
•How does the word "gambol" change the feeling of a sentence compared to just saying "run" or "play"?
•Can you think of moments in your life when you felt like gamboling? How would you describe that feeling?
Fill in the blanks
1.The puppies gambolled around the yard because they were ___ and full of energy.
2.When animals gambol, they usually show they feel ___ and safe in their environment.
3.Unlike walking slowly, to gambol means to ___ and jump happily.
4.After hearing good news, she couldn’t help but gambol ___ the room with joy.
5.Children often gambol ___ the playground during recess, showing their happiness.
6.A lamb’s gambol in the field is a ___ sight that makes people smile.
7.When people say "gambol about," they mean to move ___ in a playful way.