golf

American  

[golf, gawlf, gof] / gɒlf, gɔlf, gɒf /

noun

1. a game in which clubs with wooden or metal heads are used to hit a small, white ball into a number of holes, usually 9 or 18, in succession, situated at various distances over a course having natural or artificial obstacles, the object being to get the ball into each hole in as few strokes as possible.

2. a word used in communications to represent the letter G.

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verb (used without object)

1. to play golf.

golf ¹ British  

/ ɡɒlf /

noun

1. 1. a game played on a large open course, the object of which is to hit a ball using clubs, with as few strokes as possible, into each of usually 18 holes

   2. ( as modifier )

      a golf bag

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verb

1. (intr) to play golf

Golf ² British  

/ ɡɒlf /

noun

1. communications a code word for the letter g

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Other Word Forms

• golfer noun
• nongolfer noun

Etymology

Origin of golf

1425–75; late Middle English; of uncertain origin

Explanation

Golf is a game that involves using a club to hit a small ball into a series of cups laid out on a course. If golf seems too difficult, you might try taking up miniature golf — with a short course and whimsical obstacles — instead. Scotland is famous for its golf courses, and in fact the game was invented there during the 15th century. Golf comes from the Scottish gouf, an alteration of the Middle Dutch colf, "bat or club." The first known printed use of the word golf was in a statute banning the game — King James II believed that archery was more important and that golf was a distraction. Later monarchs enjoyed the game and lifted the ban.

Example Sentences

LIV caused a 'civil war' in professional golf in 2022 when they started luring star names away from the PGA Tour with the offer of huge pay increases.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

That meant dropping their litigation against one another and planning to reunite the golf world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

The home has an attached two-car garage, a garage for a golf cart, and a detached four-car garage with a carport.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

"It is quite possible that he could have a battle royale with Scottie Scheffler in a month's time at the US PGA - that would be amazing," said BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

We run across Route 28 and straight into the arcade to pay for mini golf.

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt