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 Golf balls, originally made of wood, are now made of hard rubber.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

Clients hit a few balls in front of a launch monitor — a device that measures the physical data of a golf shot and club swing, and then feeds the findings in real time through an algorithm to generate club recommendations. —Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 5 June 2026

Sure, TravisMathew earned its stripes in men’s golf apparel, but the brand took a wholly different path in regards to the women’s lineup. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 June 2026

Wesley Freeman, a student at Wheaton North High School and member of their golf team, had the stroke on March 22, a GoFundMe page set up by the teenager's cousin, Natalie Bielski, confirmed. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026

As part of the new deal, his Curry Brand will expand under Li-Ning, with lifestyle and golf products expected in the coming years. —Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 4 June 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