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 Golf balls, originally made of wood, are now made of hard rubber.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

My husband loved getting swing tips from a golf instructor; the ship has TaylorMade clubs to rent for play in port. — Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Sports fans might roll their eyes at the idea of a celebrity golf tournament carrying real stakes or eliciting real feelings from the competitors involved. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Bring a few clubs, plus headlamps if desired; Harvard Gulch supplies the glowing track balls and goodie bags (which include glow sticks) for these night golf sessions, which fill up fast. — Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 7 July 2026

Solaire Sports Club gives guests more engaging ways to stay active, with two padel courts, two pickleball courts and private golf simulator facilities. — Ching Dee, Forbes.com, 8 July 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