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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 21, 2024

What more could he ask for, but this — the late-day sun gilding the top of his new store gold as the knob of a flagpole.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen

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Related Words

• adornment
• coloring
• embroidery
• ornamentation

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