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

Alcaraz fended off Yannick Hanfmann 7-6 (4), 6-3, 6-2 in an afternoon encounter on the center court, and then reflected on his own performance and on his golf outing with Roger Federer. —Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026

For all the attention golf’s cultural moment has received, Smith’s own college experience has been just as illuminating both athletically and academically. —Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Its collaborations with Head for tennis gear, Malbon for lifestyle product, Puma Golf for golf merchandise and the Miami Marlins for hats and Ts are also available on the site. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026

In the warmer months, golf is another big attraction, with the 18-hole course at Golf Gonten less than a mile away. —Jackie Caradonio, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2026

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