golf

1 of 2

noun

ˈgälf How to pronounce golf (audio)
ˈgȯlf
ˈgäf How to pronounce golf (audio)
ˈgȯf
sometimes
ˈgəlf How to pronounce golf (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Woods also expressed his belief in the importance of creating a path for the next group of golf stars. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 18 Feb. 2026 The high school golf season ended in November, but Winter Park junior Lawson Hovey hit a highlight recently. Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2026 Harrell says 60 new businesses and amenities have opened in the last 18 months, including pilates and yoga studies, an indoor golf simulator and DIY painting and art event spaces. Vivian Song, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026 If the beach is more your speed, head to the Papagayo Peninsula for everything from water sports to eco tours to golf and luxury accommodations. Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for golf

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of golf was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Golf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/golf. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

golf

noun
ˈgälf How to pronounce golf (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on golf

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