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adj

gilt

gihlt

Gilt (adj) means Covered with a thin layer of gold or gold-coloured material. Example: “The picture frame was gilt around every edge.”

adj
1
Covered with a thin layer of gold or gold-coloured material.
"The picture frame was gilt around every edge."
"She bought a gilt mirror for the hallway."
noun
1
A thin coating of gold, or the gold-coloured finish itself.
"Years of handling had worn the gilt off the old book cover."
2
A UK government bond, so called because early certificates had gilt edges.
"Investors moved money into gilts when the stock market turned volatile."
3
A young female pig that has not yet had a litter.
"The farmer kept two gilts back for breeding next season."

How to use gilt

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGold-coated (for objects), or a type of safe government bond (in finance), or a young female pig (in farming) — three unrelated meanings sharing one word.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "guilt" (a feeling of having done wrong) — they sound identical but mean completely different things.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
gilt frame gilt-edged government gilts

Word forms

more gilt comparative, gilts plural, gilts plural, most gilt superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The picture frame was _____ around every edge.

Etymology

The past form of the old verb "to gild" (cover with gold) — so something "gilt" is literally something that has been gilded.

Related words

Rhymes for gilt

See all rhymes for gilt →

Frequently asked questions

What does “gilt” mean?

The word “gilt” means covered with a thin layer of gold or gold-coloured material. In plain terms, gold-coated (for objects), or a type of safe government bond (in finance), or a young female pig (in farming) — three unrelated meanings sharing one word.

How do you pronounce “gilt”?

“Gilt” is pronounced gihlt (/ɡɪlt/ in IPA).

How do you use “gilt” in a sentence?

Here is “gilt” used in a sentence: “The picture frame was gilt around every edge.”

What part of speech is “gilt”?

Depending on how it is used, “gilt” can be an adjective and a noun.

How many meanings does “gilt” have?

“Gilt” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: covered with a thin layer of gold or gold-coloured material.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial