goldilocks

American  

[gohl-dee-loks] / ˈgoʊl diˌlɒks /

noun

• goldilocks
  plural

1. (used with a singular verb) a person with golden hair.

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adjective

1. (usually initial capital letter) not being extreme or not varying drastically between extremes, especially between hot and cold.

   a Goldilocks economy that is neither overheated nor too cold to cause a recession;

   a goldilocks planet such as Earth.

goldilocks British  

/ ˈɡəʊldɪˌlɒks /

noun

1. a Eurasian plant, Aster linosyris (or Linosyris vulgaris ), with clusters of small yellow flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

2. a Eurasian ranunculaceous woodland plant, Ranunculus auricomus, with yellow flowers See also buttercup

3. (sometimes capital) a person, esp a girl, with light blond hair

4. (modifier; sometimes capital) not prone to extremes of temperature, volatility, etc

   a goldilocks planet

   a goldilocks economy

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• goldilocks
  plural

Etymology

Origin of goldilocks

1540–50; obsolete goldy golden + lock ² + -s ³; from the fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears , in which the golden-haired Goldilocks rejects uncomfortable extremes, as porridge that is too hot or too cold

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

goldilocks

The government report predicts the rapid pace of economic expansion will continue and the “present macro-economic situation presents a rare goldilocks period of high growth and low inflation.”

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 30, 2025

“The economy is demonstrating a goldilocks scenario,” Teal said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 23, 2025

Calling the PMI a "goldilocks" report, Martin said it was "generally a good report" with prices moderating and "okay" employment.

From Reuters ● Oct. 24, 2023

Surrounded by miles of water and with relatively quiet airspace, Unst, he says is in the goldilocks position.

From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2023

In the spring there would be pale blue violets and primroses, goldilocks, wood anemones, and white Stellaria.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman