golf

1 of 2

noun

ˈgälf How to pronounce golf (audio)
ˈgȯlf,
ˈgäf How to pronounce golf (audio)
ˈgȯf,
sometimes
ˈgəlf How to pronounce golf (audio)
often attributive
: a game in which a player using special clubs attempts to sink a ball with as few strokes as possible into each of the 9 or 18 successive holes on a course
golf intransitive verb
golfer noun

Golf

2 of 2

communications code word

used as a code word for the letter g

Examples of golf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Records show Gatlin submitted 14 invoices to the Foundation to pay for its board of directors’ golf memberships at the Club at Weston Hills between 2022 and 2023. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2025 This period coincides with LIV becoming part of the global golf ecosystem. Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 Cohen is among the users of that new AI tool, for among other reasons, to improve his golf game. Krysta Escobar,eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025 Splash Sports provides tools to create and compete in real-money contests like Survivor, Pick ’Em, and Tiers contests for golf major tournaments. Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for golf

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English (Scots)

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Communications Code Word

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of golf was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Golf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/golf. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

golf

noun
ˈgälf How to pronounce golf (audio)
ˈgȯlf,
ˈgäf,
ˈgȯf
: a game in which the player uses specialized clubs to try to hit a small ball with as few strokes as possible into each of 9 or 18 holes
golf verb
golfer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on golf

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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