gilding

American  

[gil-ding] / ˈgɪl dɪŋ /

noun

1. the application of gilt. gild. gilt.

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

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

---

Etymology

Origin of gilding

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

Example Sentences

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

From Salon

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

From BBC

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

Hristoff, who was born in Istanbul and is now based in New York, has been creating works of layered screen printing, painting, gilding and drawing in a well-known, almost 20-year-long series titled “Everything and Nothing.”

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• adornment
• coloring
• embroidery
• ornamentation