golf

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noun

ˈgälf 

ˈgȯlf,

ˈgäf 

ˈgȯf,

sometimes

ˈgəlf 

often attributive

: a game in which a player using special clubs attempts to sink a ball with as few strokes as possible into each of the 9 or 18 successive holes on a course

golf intransitive verb

golfer noun

Golf

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communications code word

—used as a code word for the letter g

Examples of golf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Following the ratings announcement, golf influencer Paige Spiranac took to social media to dunk on everyone who was down on the outlook of professional golf. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025

The meeting agenda is to continue to work toward reunifying men’s professional golf. —Gabby Herzig, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025

As the golf pro’s teammates, Kevin Kisner and Tom Kim, fell over laughing, Woods walked over in confusion. —Sam Gillette, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025

That sense of immersion will be brought to one of golf’s most tense tee shots. —Mike Dojc, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English (Scots)

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Communications Code Word

1952, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing golf

• crazy golf
• disc golf
• football/golf widow
• Frisbee golf
• golf ball
• golf cart
• golf club
• golf course
• miniature golf

Kids Definition

golf

noun

ˈgälf 

ˈgȯlf,

ˈgäf,

ˈgȯf

: a game in which the player uses specialized clubs to try to hit a small ball with as few strokes as possible into each of 9 or 18 holes

golf verb

golfer noun