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

Next year, Los Angeles will welcome FIFA World Cup matches, the NBA All-Star Game and the U.S. Women’s Open for golf. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025

Caddy Cocktails needs to be ingrained in golf culture, not in Greg Norman culture. —Anthony Moniello, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2025

The aluminum collection is available in four styles: Carry-on Plus ($665), Check-In Medium ($725), Check-in Large ($755) and a Trunk ($775), all in three colorways: black, golf or silver. —Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025

Tommy Fleetwood entered the day five back of the lead and played par golf on the front nine before three bogeys and a double bogey on 17 to shoot 75. —Brody Miller, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 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