adjective
gilded
GIHL-dihd
adjective
1
Covered with a thin layer of gold, or having the appearance of gold.
"The museum displayed a gilded picture frame from the 1800s."
2
Looking impressive or luxurious on the surface while hiding problems underneath.
"Behind the gilded lifestyle was a family drowning in debt."
How to Use Gilded
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCovered in gold, or more figuratively, dazzling on the surface but possibly hollow underneath.
Common pairings
gilded frame
gilded age
gilded cage
Word Forms
more gilded comparative, most gilded superlative
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Etymology
From the verb "gild" (to cover with gold) plus -ed.