gilt

1 of 3

adjective

ˈgilt 

: covered with gold or gilt : of the color of gold

gilt

2 of 3

noun (1)

1

: gold or something that resembles gold laid on a surface

2

slang : money

3

: superficial brilliance

4

: a bond issued by the government of the United Kingdom

gilt

3 of 3

noun (2)

: a young female swine

Examples of gilt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

While gilt yields were broadly lower on Wednesday, repricing of the rate outlook in recent weeks took the 30-year gilt yield to its highest level since 1998, while the 10-year yield reached a three-month high. —Jenni Reid, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2025

The triptych is set in a silver and gilt mount, enhanced with colored enamel, precious stones, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and pearls, the Byzantium department said in its statement. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

Noun

In 2022, then UK Prime Minister Liz Truss unleashed a wave of market panic with unfunded tax cuts that forced the Bank of England into emergency action after 30-year gilt yields soared by over 100 basis points. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025

Use natural wood for farmhouse charm, a sleek chrome metal for an industrial edge, or an ornate gilt frame for timeless elegance. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun (1)

Middle English, from past participle of gilden to gild

Noun (2)

Middle English gylte, from Old Norse gyltr; akin to Old English gelde sterile — more at geld

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing gilt

• gilt-edge
• gilt-edged

Rhymes for gilt

• built
• guilt
• hilt
• kilt
• lilt
• milt
• quilt
• silt
• spilt
• stilt
• tilt
• wilt

Kids Definition

gilt

1 of 3 adjective

ˈgilt 

: of the color of gold

gilt

2 of 3 noun

: gold or something like gold laid on a surface

gilt

3 of 3 noun

: a young female pig

Medical Definition

gilt

noun

ˈgilt 

: a young female swine