golf

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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

This place isn’t just some hotel that happens to have golf—this is a resort designed with every detail in mind, from the sleek decor to the unparalleled comfort. —David Weiss, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

Away from the ring, Alvarez enjoys golf and riding horses, and spends a lot of time with his family, including his five children. —Adam England, People.com, 13 Sep. 2025

Disc golf’s popularity has grown so fast that there are now dozens of top-tier professional tournaments each year. —Nate Heinold, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025

Keegan Bradley is currently shouldering the immense pressure of representing American golf, a burden that will only intensify as the Ryder Cup draws near. —Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 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