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• golf
  golf

  noun

  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.
• Golf
  Golf

  noun

  communications a code word for the letter g

golf

American  

[golf, gawlf, gof] / gɒlf, gɔlf, gɒf /

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.

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verb (used without object)

golfs, present (3rd person singular) golfed, past participle, past golfing present participle

1. to play golf.

golf ¹ British  

/ 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

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verb

1. (intr) to play golf

Golf ² British  

/ ɡɒlf /

noun

1. communications a code word for the letter g

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nongolfer
  noun
• golfer
  noun

Conjugated Forms

Present

• has golfed
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have golfed
  perfect
• have been golfing
  perfect progressive
• is golfing
  progressive 3rd person singular
• am golfing
  progressive 1st person singular
• golfs
  singular 3rd person
• golfing
  participle
• has been golfing
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• are golfing
  progressive

Past

• had golfed
  perfect
• were golfing
  progressive plural
• was golfing
  progressive singular
• had been golfing
  perfect progressive
• golfed
  participle
• golfed
  simple

Future

• will golf
  simple
• will have golfed
  perfect
• will have been golfing
  perfect progressive
• will be golfing
  progressive

Etymology

Origin of golf

1425–75; late Middle English; of uncertain origin

Explanation

Golf is a game that involves using a club to hit a small ball into a series of cups laid out on a course. If golf seems too difficult, you might try taking up miniature golf — with a short course and whimsical obstacles — instead. Scotland is famous for its golf courses, and in fact the game was invented there during the 15th century. Golf comes from the Scottish gouf, an alteration of the Middle Dutch colf, "bat or club." The first known printed use of the word golf was in a statute banning the game — King James II believed that archery was more important and that golf was a distraction. Later monarchs enjoyed the game and lifted the ban.

Example Sentences

Costco cut the price External link on a number of its private label items, sold under its Kirkland Signature brand, spanning bed sheets to golf balls.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

If you see him on the 19th hole having a drink, tip your golf hat and move on.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

"I can just go at everything and play free golf like I do at home and it's more fun."

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Methodically moving up the board is No. 1-ranked Nelly Korda, the biggest needle mover in women’s golf.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

Harriet had said John Harvey lived past the golf course.

From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn