golf

1 of 2

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

2 of 2

communications code word

—used as a code word for the letter g

Examples of golf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

On Kiawah Island this week, golf took the backburner as global leaders in sports and top financial minds gathered for an exclusive thought leadership conference. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025

Only Woods has achieved golf’s career grand slam since 1966. —Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025

This week’s Masters golf tournament reunites the best players in the world for the first time since the British Open nine months ago, as golf’s Cold War between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf drags on. —Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 9 Apr. 2025

This week, though, finds Haney, 69, far away from golf’s most intense spotlight. —Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 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