gold rush

American  

noun

1. a large-scale and hasty movement of people to a region where gold has been discovered, as to California in 1849.

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gold rush British  

noun

1. a large-scale migration of people to a territory where gold has been found

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Etymology

Origin of gold rush

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

That added to a quasi “gold rush” among investors who understandably hungered for a piece of the action.

From MarketWatch

The subsidy-fueled gold rush emboldened unions to squeeze producers, warding off studios looking for inexpensive film locations.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sporong is an informal settlement about 50 kilometres from Johannesburg, South Africa's economic capital that was built on a gold rush 140 years ago.

From Barron's

While they have traditionally co-existed alongside humans on their home range, a new threat has emerged: a gold rush which has ushered an increase in both artisanal and industrial mines.

From Barron's

“It is a gold rush for children for the future,” said Christopher Gandy, founder of the Legacy Wealth Group and president of National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

From MarketWatch