golf

[ golf, gawlf; British also gof ]

/ gɒlf, gɔlf; British also gɒf /

noun

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.

a word used in communications to represent the letter G.

verb (used without object)

to play golf.

QUIZZES

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Commas mark divisions in sentences. Periods end declarative sentences. Apostrophes show possession. Easy, right? Well, punctuation can get pretty tricky—fast. Think you got what it takes to be a punctuation expert? Take our quiz to prove it!

Question 1 of 10

Which of the options below is the best punctuation for the sentence? It__s your turn to pick the movie __ but your sister gets to pick the board game we _ re going to play.

Its your turn to pick the movie but your sister gets to pick the board game we’re going to play.

It’s your turn to pick the movie but your sister gets to pick the board game were going to play.

It’s your turn to pick the movie, but your sister gets to pick the board game we’re going to play.

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Origin of golf

1425–75; late Middle English; of uncertain origin

OTHER WORDS FROM golf

golf·er, nounnon·golf·er, noun

Words nearby golf

goldwater, barry, goldwork, goldwyn, goldwynism, golem, golf, golf bag, golf ball, golf cart, golf club, golf course

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for golfing

He spent the weekend golfing, and all they got was to cool their heels.
The Press Is Peeved at the Golfing President|Howard Kurtz|February 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Maybe, like me and my D.C. gals, the golfing getaway was her idea too.
Michelle Obama Stranded by Her Man as Barack Goes on a Golfing Weekend|Lauren Ashburn|February 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Want to know what book to gift to that 40-year-old golfing uncle?
Live Chat: Best Books to Give for the Holidays||December 14, 2011|DAILY BEAST
President Obama had the temerity to be golfing on the Vineyard when the homeland was threatened.
Washington’s Earthquake Farce|Howard Kurtz|August 24, 2011|DAILY BEAST

A golfing habit and a liking for girls are fine for a 51-year-old divorcé.
Good Riddance to Prince Andrew’s Day Job!|William Underhill|July 23, 2011|DAILY BEAST
"Then," said I, "there is the Open Championship to take place in your own golfing country," and with that we tackled the chicken.
The Happy Golfer|Henry Leach
At Honolulu I spent a most enjoyable two weeks, golfing a little, surf riding, etc.
Ranching, Sport and Travel|Thomas Carson
I mention these golfing matters not because they interest me, but because they may interest you.
American Adventures|Julian Street
The golfing braves stride eagerly, joyfully, chatteringly in.
The Happy Golfer|Henry Leach
If length is all that is wanted, why not go shooting instead of golfing?
The Spirit of the Links|Henry Leach

British Dictionary definitions for golfing (1 of 2)

golf

/ (ɡɒlf) /

noun

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
(as modifier)a golf bag

verb

(intr) to play golf

Word Origin for golf

C15: perhaps from Middle Dutch colf club

British Dictionary definitions for golfing (2 of 2)

Golf

/ (ɡɒlf) /

noun

communications a code word for the letter g

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012