golf

[golf, gawlf, gof]

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.

verb (used without object)

1. to play golf.

golf

¹

/ 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

verb

1. (intr) to play golf

Golf

²

/ ɡɒlf /

noun

1. communications a code word for the letter g

Other Word Forms

• golfer noun
• nongolfer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of golf¹

1425–75; late Middle English; of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of golf¹

C15: perhaps from Middle Dutch colf _club

Example Sentences

The northernmost U.S. military installation, Pituffik is a collection of barracks, hangars, fuel tanks and satellite-dish domes shaped like giant golf balls.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Tiger Woods underwent lumbar disc replacement surgery in his lower back after experiencing pain and a lack of mobility, the 15-time major golf champion announced on Saturday.

Read more on Barron's

While these conversations are often policy-focused, sometimes they are simply friendly chats over a shared passion - golf.

Read more on BBC

He’ll also hit the links with Matthew, who won the club championship at their golf club the past four years.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I played every sport growing up — soccer, football, basketball, golf, tennis, rugby, swimming,” he said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times