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gilding

American  
[gil-ding] / ˈgɪl dɪŋ /

noun

  1. the application of gilt.

  2. the gold leaf or other material with which something is gilded.

  3. the golden surface produced by the application of gilt.

  4. something used to create a deceptively pleasing, impressive, or alluring aspect or character.

gilding British  
/ ˈɡɪldɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act or art of applying gilt to a surface

  2. the surface so produced

  3. another word for gilt 1

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of gilding

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; gild 1, -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He was meticulous in ordering well-made clothes, and a “chariot” with some gilding wouldn’t be too excessive, he thought.

From Slate • Feb. 16, 2026

Not many of us had “Jeffrey Epstein” or “Ghislaine Maxwell” on our bingo cards — to mix metaphors while gilding the lily.

From Salon • Aug. 22, 2025

They were then sent for gilding and upholstery, before Mr Desnoues added designs and a wood finish.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2025

Furthermore, though Mr. Reed presents himself as an intellectually superior theologian, gilding his carefully-choreographed arguments with props and theatrical flourishes, the script itself doesn’t hold him in the same regard.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2024

Martha sprayed a dried bouquet with metallic paint, literally gilding the lily.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.