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
The popularity of golf among celebrities is booming more than ever, as evidenced not only by Pro-Am events. Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 Jordan Spieth has never had to withdraw from a start at any competitive level of golf in his life, let alone the PGA Tour. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025 Stephanie, 37, who played professional golf for a few years, felt that L.A. needed something like this. Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 That’s not entirely uncommon in college golf, but the programs at TCU had a few more logistical challenges to slalom than the norm. Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Golf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/golf. Accessed 25 Jun. 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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