golf

1 of 2

noun

ˈgälf 

ˈgȯlf,

ˈgäf 

ˈgȯf,

sometimes

ˈgəlf 

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

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communications code word

—used as a code word for the letter g

Examples of golf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Just three miles from the festival, the high-elevation village of Sugar Mountain offers various lodging options alongside scenic lift rides, an alpine coaster, and plenty of space for golf and tennis. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025

Some of the golf at this year's Ryder Cup has been overshadowed by interventions from passionate and unruly fans, as Americans tee off against Europeans in one of the sport's biggest events. —Chandelis Duster, NPR, 28 Sep. 2025

Through two days, Luke Donald’s European Ryder Cup team has put on one of the most impressive displays in the history of team golf. —Justin Ray, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025

On the 17th green, a moment unfolded that left the golf world stunned. —Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025

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

Phrases Containing golf

• crazy golf
• disc golf
• football/golf widow
• Frisbee golf
• golf ball
• golf cart
• golf club
• golf course
• miniature golf

Kids Definition

golf

noun

ˈgälf 

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