Showing results for "gilding"

• present participle of gild.

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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of gilding

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

gilding

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

And he began writing again...and crossing out words...and writing more, while outside the sun sank lower and lower until its rays were gilding the hilltops.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke

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Related Words

• adornment
• coloring
• embroidery
• ornamentation

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