Definition

Noun: * A gambling device: A roulette wheel is a piece of gaming equipment. It is a large, circular wheel that spins horizontally. The rim of the wheel is divided into many numbered and colored slots (or pockets). A small ball is spun in the opposite direction on a track around the wheel. Players place bets on where they predict the ball will come to rest. The outcome is determined when the ball loses momentum and falls into one of the slots.

Usage and Examples

• Primary Usage: The term refers specifically to the spinning wheel used in the casino game of roulette.
  • The croupier spun the roulette wheel and tossed the ball.
  • All eyes were fixed on the slowing roulette wheel.
  • He placed his chips on the table as the roulette wheel began to turn.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: The phrase can be used metaphorically to describe a situation of pure chance or unpredictable risk where outcomes seem random.
  • Investing in that volatile market is like spinning a roulette wheel.
  • The selection process felt like a roulette wheel, with no clear criteria for success.

Variants and Related Words

• Roulette (noun): The name of the complete casino game that uses the roulette wheel. (e.g., )
• Wheel (noun): In the context of gambling, "the wheel" is often understood to mean the roulette wheel. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Gaming wheel
• Wheel of fortune (Note: This is a different game but shares the conceptual idea of a spinning wheel determining fate.)

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Spin of the roulette wheel: Refers to a single instance of the game or, metaphorically, a single risky decision with an uncertain outcome.
  • His future depended on a single spin of the roulette wheel.
• The ball is on the wheel: Indicates that the game is in progress and the outcome is being determined.
  • It's too late to change your bet now; the ball is on the wheel.

Noun

1. game equipment consisting of a wheel with slots that is used for gambling; the wheel rotates horizontally and players bet on which slot the roulette ball will stop in