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

Did you know?

This is a game in which a player using special clubs attempts to sink a small ball into each of the nine or 18 successive holes on an outdoor course, using as few strokes as possible. Golf developed in Scotland as early as the 15th century; the courses were originally fields that herds of sheep had clipped short in their characteristic grazing style. Golf balls, originally made of wood, are now made of hard rubber. Clubs are known by the traditional names of “irons” and “woods”; today irons are more likely made of stainless steel than iron, and the heads of woods are usually made of metal such as steel or titanium instead of wood.

Examples of golf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The suites are smaller but just as carefully done, good for couples who'd rather spend the room budget on a spa treatment or an extra round of golf. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

There’s the obvious appeal of warm weather, year-round golf and beautiful beaches. — Rob Edwards, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Downstairs, the house shifts more toward entertaining, with a wine cellar that can hold more than 3,000 bottles, a bar, a gym, a golf simulator, and an indoor putting green. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026

The growing lineup includes jackets, trousers, gilets and hats designed for the wet, windy conditions associated with links golf. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 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