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)

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

• golfer noun
• nongolfer noun

Etymology

Origin of golf

1425–75; late Middle English; of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Three-time champion Phil Mickelson will miss this year's Masters and step away from golf "for an extended period" because of a family health matter.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Woods was scheduled to attend the opening of “The Patch,” a municipal golf course in Augusta that he helped redesign.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Since becoming president, Trump has essentially replicated the formula that characterized his career as a businessman: promoting his name like a brand, engraved in gold letters on his golf clubs, hotels and merchandise.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

I started playing golf as a teenager in the 1980s, long before Mr. Woods turned pro, but he’s the reason I began watching golf tournaments regularly on television.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

“You don’t play golf, do you, Mrs. de Winter?” said Colonel Julyan.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier