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

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communications code word

—used as a code word for the letter g

Examples of golf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The golf course has been around for decades and is one of the more affordable places to play, the golf community argued, calling it a Newport Beach staple where generations of golfers have taken their first swings. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025

Chat with other travelers at the community fire pit, play a round of golf at the putting course, or challenge friends or family members to a cornhole tournament. —Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2025

In photos taken while at the Genesis Invitational in February, the golf legend was spotted getting out of a car with Vanessa, 47, and Kai. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025

After a multiyear stint at Thornberry Creek at Oneida, a club in Wisconsin, Franke joined Barstool earlier this year as the media company’s golf pro. —David Matthews, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025

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