golf

[golf, gawlf, gof]

noun

1. a game in which clubs with wooden or metal heads are used to hit a small, white ball into a number of holes, usually 9 or 18, in succession, situated at various distances over a course having natural or artificial obstacles, the object being to get the ball into each hole in as few strokes as possible.

2. a word used in communications to represent the letter G.

verb (used without object)

1. to play golf.

golf

¹

/ ɡɒlf /

noun

1. 1. a game played on a large open course, the object of which is to hit a ball using clubs, with as few strokes as possible, into each of usually 18 holes

   2. ( as modifier )

      a golf bag

verb

1. (intr) to play golf

Golf

²

/ ɡɒlf /

noun

1. communications a code word for the letter g

Other Word Forms

• golfer noun
• nongolfer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of golf¹

1425–75; late Middle English; of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of golf¹

C15: perhaps from Middle Dutch colf _club

Example Sentences

Afterward, McIlroy told reporters, “What happened here this week is not acceptable” and “I think golf should be held to a higher standard than than what was was seen out there this week.”

From Los Angeles Times

He’s usually late to work and early to bed, and he spends his weekends golfing.

From Salon

"There's no place for that at the Ryder Cup, no place for it in the game of golf and we are not happy with what happened last week."

From BBC

Briones accepted regular trips to Las Vegas with room accommodations, golf reservations, dinners and casino chips for gambling, the complaint said.

From Los Angeles Times

The takeover of the Premier League club, the investment in boxing and the creation of the breakaway golf tournament were met with an abundance of scrutiny.

From BBC