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

Remember, it’s gold leaf: Below the gilding, the rest of the figure is made of bronze.

From Slate ● Jun. 2, 2026

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

From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2025

But in a way, all the giveaways and special events are just gilding the lily.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 16, 2024

Accentuating the glass wrinkles with gilding serves to sanctify the century-old depot structure.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 21, 2024

The sun was already sinking behind the Forbidden Forest, gilding the top branches of the trees.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling

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Related Words

• adornment
• coloring
• embroidery
• ornamentation

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