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

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

Noun

New and seasoned designers are pivoting into golf wear to accommodate a rush of women into the sport and a burgeoning women's professional tour. —Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2024

Peña’s boys first worked as caddies and then, stopped by bigots with Joe Manchin good-old-boy mugs, had to practice golf on their own makeshift course in the local rough mesquite patches. —Armond White, National Review, 17 Apr. 2024

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