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

An 18-hole golf course by golf architect Tom Fazio will open in 2026. —Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025

Frequent cruisers know there’s plenty to do on days at sea too with activities like mini golf, entertainment, swimming, casinos, and spa services. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025

Her character also has a fake handicapped license plate and cheats at golf. —Brie Stimson , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025

And the typical rules of decorum are loosened as a result — at least by golf standards. —Bob Harkins, New York Times, 2 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