gilt

¹ American  

[gilt] / gɪlt /

verb

1. a simple past tense and past participle of gild.

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adjective

1. gilded.

2. gold in color; golden.

noun

1. the thin layer of gold or other material applied in gilding.

2. gilt-edged security.

gilt ² American  

[gilt] / gɪlt /

noun

1. a young female swine, especially one that has not produced a litter.

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gilt ¹ British  

/ ɡɪlt /

verb

1. a past tense and past participle of gild 1

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noun

1. gold or a substance simulating it, applied in gilding

2. another word for gilding gilding

3. superficial or false appearance of excellence; glamour

4. a gilt-edged security

5. to destroy the part of something that gives it its appeal

adjective

1. covered with or as if with gold or gilt; gilded

gilt ² British  

/ ɡɪlt /

noun

1. a young female pig, esp one that has not had a litter

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Etymology

Origin of gilt¹

First recorded in 1300–50, for the adjective

Origin of gilt²

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English gilte, Old Norse gylta

Explanation

All those gold framed pictures you see hanging in museums? They're covered in gilt — a very thin layer of gold leaf, like paper, applied to the surface. A common term associated with gilt is gilt-edged, implying something known to be reliably wealthy. Anything can be gilt-edged: a person, a town, or a reputation. The term comes from a form of government-issued bond, known as a gilt, which was originally gilded around the edges. Don't confuse gilt with guilt, which sounds the same but means a sense of knowing you've done something wrong. (Though, if you've stolen a gilt, does that make you gilty?)

Example Sentences

Inflation worries have caused markets to price in the risk of U.K. interest rates staying higher for longer than previously expected, adding pressure on gilt yields.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

That same day, UK 10-year gilt yield – a measure of the effective interest rate on a 10-year loan to government – fell back, something attributed to Burnham's attempt to calm markets.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

The 10-year gilt yield soared 16 basis points to 5.16% as Prime Minister Keir Starmer fought to save his political future following a bruising local election defeat last week.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

The benchmark 10-year gilt yield rose to 5.1% on Tuesday, its highest level since 2008.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

She laid the gown neatly over a stunning Louis XV gilt wood armchair that would nowadays be in a museum.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• gaudy
• gleaming
• glittering
• golden
• lustrous
• painted
• sparkling