golden

1 of 2

adjective

gold·​en ˈgōl-dən How to pronounce golden (audio)
Synonyms of goldennext
1
: consisting of, relating to, or containing gold
2
a
: being or having the color gold or the color of gold
3
4
: of a high degree of excellence : superb
5
: prosperous, flourishing
golden days
6
a
: radiantly youthful and vigorous
b
: having talents that promise great success
often used with boy or girl
the golden boy/girl of tennis
c
: highly favored : popular
7
a
: favorable, advantageous
a golden opportunity
b
informal : in a very good or fortunate position
not used before a noun
If the bank approves the loan, we're golden.
8
: of, relating to, or being a 50th anniversary or its celebration
9
: mellow, resonant
a smooth golden tenor
goldenly adverb
goldenness noun

goldenness

2 of 2

noun

gold·​en·​ness ˈgōldən(n)ə̇s How to pronounce goldenness (audio)
plural -es
: the quality or state of being golden

Examples of golden in a Sentence

Adjective The memoir recounts the golden times in her life. this may be your golden moment to impress a baseball scout, so don't blow it
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.
Adjective
Tabbed nothing less than the golden generation, they were meant to grow a sport that long had roots but never could quite blossom, using the soil of their own country to do it. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 Topped with a silky mango foam, the cocktail is vibrant, refreshing, and effortlessly sippable—its bright golden hue echoing both ripe mangoes and the electrifying energy of a World Cup match. Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 Many varieties have golden foliage that contrasts nicely against other landscape plantings. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 12 June 2026 Jo Malone London Nectarine Blossom & Honey Marc Jacobs Honey Eau de Parfum is described by the brand as a sunny, enticing floral built around orange blossom, with honeysuckle and peach nectars layered over honey, vanilla and smooth woods that dry down to a warm, golden base. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for golden

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of golden was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Golden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/golden. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

golden

adjective
gold·​en ˈgōl-dən How to pronounce golden (audio)
1
: consisting of, relating to, or containing gold
2
: having the color of gold
golden hair
3
: prosperous
a golden age
4
: favorable sense 2
a golden opportunity
5
: having a rich and smooth sound
a golden voice
6
: of or relating to a 50th anniversary

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