goldbrick

[ gohld-brik for 1, 2; gohld-brik for 3–5 ]
/ ˈgoʊldˈbrɪk for 1, 2; ˈgoʊldˌbrɪk for 3–5 /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR goldbrick ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

Informal. a brick made to look like gold, sold by a swindler.
Informal. anything supposed to be valuable but which turns out to be worthless.
Also gold·brick·er. Slang. a person, especially a soldier, who shirks responsibility or performs duties without proper effort or care.

verb (used without object) Slang.

to shirk responsibility or perform halfheartedly; loaf.

verb (used with object)

to swindle; cheat.

QUIZZES

PRACTICE SOME ESCAPISM WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ!

We salute you if you remember all the doovers from Word of the Day between May 25 and May 31!
Question 1 of 7
salute
to call out to in order to stop, attract attention, ask aid, etc.
to wield power; exercise rule.
to express respect or praise for; honor; commend.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of goldbrick

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; gold + brick

Words nearby goldbrick

goldberg, rube, goldberger, goldbergian, goldblatt kidney, goldblatt phenomenon, goldbrick, goldbug, goldcrest, goldcup, golden, golden age
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to goldbrick

pussyfoot, loaf, fence, cheat, sidestep, elude, slip, duck, creep, quit, lounge, shirk, dodge, slink, eschew, lurk, parry, malinger, bum, shun