golf
golf
Golf (noun) means a sport in which players use clubs to hit a small ball into a series of holes on a course, aiming for the fewest strokes. Example: “They played a round of golf before breakfast.”
noun
1
A sport in which players use clubs to hit a small ball into a series of holes on a course, aiming for the fewest strokes.
"They played a round of golf before breakfast."
"He took up golf after retiring from work."
"My uncle plays golf with his friends every Sunday afternoon."
verb
1
To play the sport of golf.
"We golf every Saturday morning, weather permitting."
"My parents golf at the club near our house whenever it is dry."
"Do you golf, or do you prefer tennis?"
How to use golf
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe club-and-ball sport played on a course of holes, or the verb for playing it.
Common pairings
play golf
a round of golf
golf course
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- golfs
- Past tense
- golfed
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They played a round of _____ before breakfast.
Etymology
First recorded in English from Scots golf/gouff; likely traces further back to a Middle Dutch word for "club."
Synonyms
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golf game
Rhymes for golf
See all rhymes for golf →Frequently asked questions
What does “golf” mean?
The word “golf” means a sport in which players use clubs to hit a small ball into a series of holes on a course, aiming for the fewest strokes. In plain terms, the club-and-ball sport played on a course of holes, or the verb for playing it.
How do you pronounce “golf”?
“Golf” is pronounced golf (/ɡɑlf/ in IPA).
How do you use “golf” in a sentence?
Here is “golf” used in a sentence: “They played a round of golf before breakfast.”
What part of speech is “golf”?
Depending on how it is used, “golf” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “golf” come from?
The word “golf” comes from Dutch. First recorded in English from Scots golf/gouff; likely traces further back to a Middle Dutch word for "club.".
Is “golf” a common word?
“Golf” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “golf” have?
“Golf” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sport in which players use clubs to hit a small ball into a series of holes on a course, aiming for the fewest strokes.
What is the difference between golf and mini golf?
Golf is played on a large outdoor course, using a set of clubs to drive a ball across long distances into holes, testing power and precision. Mini golf, or putting, is a compact novelty version played on small themed obstacle courses where only the gentle putting stroke is used.
How many holes are in a round of golf?
A standard full round is 18 holes, which is why courses are typically laid out that way. Shorter courses often have 9 holes, played twice to make up a full round. Each hole varies in length and difficulty, and the goal is to complete all of them in the fewest total strokes.
Can golf be learned at any age?
Yes. Golf is one of the most age-friendly sports, playable from childhood well into later life because it involves walking and controlled swings rather than intense physical contact. Beginners usually start with lessons from a professional to build a sound swing, then improve steadily through regular practice on the range and course.
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