noun

goldilocks

GOHL-dee-loks

Goldilocks (noun) means Someone, especially a girl, with long golden hair. Example: “Her curls earned her the nickname Goldilocks at school.”

noun

Someone, especially a girl, with long golden hair.

"Her curls earned her the nickname Goldilocks at school."

A situation, condition, or amount that is exactly right — not too much and not too little.

"Economists call low unemployment with low inflation a "Goldilocks economy.""

"They were looking for a Goldilocks planet — not too hot, not too cold, just right for life."

How to use goldilocks

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsed today mainly as an adjective-like label for something that hits the perfect middle ground between two extremes.

Memory tip

You'll see it most in phrases like "Goldilocks zone" or "Goldilocks economy" — always pointing at that just-right sweet spot.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

Goldilocks zone Goldilocks economy Goldilocks conditions

Word forms

goldilocks plural

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Fill the gap

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Her curls earned her the nickname _____ at school.

Etymology

From the fairy tale character Goldilocks, the golden-haired girl who breaks into the three bears' house and finds one bowl of porridge too hot, one too cold, and one "just right."

Frequently asked questions

What does “goldilocks” mean?

The word “goldilocks” means someone, especially a girl, with long golden hair. In plain terms, used today mainly as an adjective-like label for something that hits the perfect middle ground between two extremes.

How do you pronounce “goldilocks”?

“Goldilocks” is pronounced GOHL-dee-loks (/ˈɡəʊldilɒks/ in IPA).

How do you use “goldilocks” in a sentence?

Here is “goldilocks” used in a sentence: “Her curls earned her the nickname Goldilocks at school.”

What part of speech is “goldilocks”?

“Goldilocks” is a noun.

How many meanings does “goldilocks” have?

“Goldilocks” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone, especially a girl, with long golden hair.