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

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This is a game in which a player using special clubs attempts to sink a small ball into each of the nine or 18 successive holes on an outdoor course, using as few strokes as possible. Golf developed in Scotland as early as the 15th century; the courses were originally fields that herds of sheep had clipped short in their characteristic grazing style. Golf balls, originally made of wood, are now made of hard rubber. Clubs are known by the traditional names of “irons” and “woods”; today irons are more likely made of stainless steel than iron, and the heads of woods are usually made of metal such as steel or titanium instead of wood.

Examples of golf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The upstart golf league has had its future in flux for months after it was revealed that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) would pull its backing for LIV at the end of this season. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026 Spending time with friends and enjoying activities like golf, fishing, or attending sporting events encourages connection and supports an active lifestyle. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026 Industry figures view this collaboration as a positive step for the sport, potentially boosting national TV coverage and fan engagement, similar to the FedEx Cup in golf. Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Beyond the gates, the island offers a wealth of diversions, from golf at Apes Hill to trackside seats at the Sandy Lane Gold Cup. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for golf

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of golf was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Golf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/golf. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

golf

noun
ˈgälf How to pronounce golf (audio)
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

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