gilded

American  

[gil-did] / ˈgɪl dɪd /

adjective

1. covered or highlighted with gold or something of a golden color.

2. having a pleasing or showy appearance that conceals something of little worth.

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Other Word Forms

• nongilded adjective
• ungilded adjective

Etymology

Origin of gilded

before 1000; gild ¹ + -ed ²; replacing Middle English gild, Old English gegyld

Explanation

Something gilded looks like gold, whether it is or not. If you've heard the expression "all that glitters is not gold," it's especially true of anything gilded. You might have first heard the word gilded in the name of a historical period in the U.S. known as The Gilded Age; the name suggests that the appearance of wealth concealed actual poverty. Gilded is often used to point out illusion in this way, but if no illusion is intended, it need not be a negative word. I think the gilded doves in your painting are especially lovely.

Example Sentences

Drawings and computer-generated renderings show a large, winged Lady Liberty flanked by two eagles -- all gilded -- atop a towering white arch.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

Additional pieces contain Murakami’s reimaginings of gilded floral motifs by Katsushika Hokusai, Ogata Korin and Ogata Kenzan; as well as the beautiful women rendered by Kikukawa Eizan.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

On this year’s occasion, Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a gilded statue of the former president.

From Salon • Feb. 16, 2026

One of the newest Four Seasons suites includes a private outdoor gym, panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and a gilded spiral staircase snaking between its four floors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026

Nine balconies rim its perimeter, with gilded rails and oil-black spindles that curl along each floor and twist into the shape of Belle-roses.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

• luxurious
• ornate