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

SentryWorld has been a staple in the top 100 list of public courses and currently sits at 49th according to golf digest. —Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

In the little spare time available to him, Lobotka likes to play golf. —James Horncastle, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026

What are the dates for the Waste Management golf tournament in Phoenix? —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 28 Jan. 2026

Family-friendly cruises offer plenty to keep the kids entertained—think rock climbing, mini golf, pickle ball, aqua parks, and more at no extra cost. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 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