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

Two golf organizations, the Chicago District Golf Association and the Donald Ross Society, have proposed plans to acquire and revive Calumet Country Club as a golf destination. —Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026

Scottsdale also has a vast array of high-quality restaurants, with 743 rated four stars or above; this is above the average of 593, so there is plenty of choice for great meals while on your golf vacation. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 2 Jan. 2026

The first president to golf at Andrews was Ford in 1974. —Will Weissert, Fortune, 2 Jan. 2026

In golf’s current format, LIV and PGA Tour golfers only come together for major tournaments and the biennial Ryder Cup. —Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 2 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