gold
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡˈəʊld/
US
- /ˈɡoʊld/
Description
- Precious metal
- Yellow color
- Great value
Gold isn't just a shiny metal; it's part of human history. For thousands of years, people have valued it for its beauty, rarity, and the way it does not easily tarnish. Think of pirate treasure, royal crowns, and wedding rings - all symbols of wealth and lasting love. But "gold" does not always mean the metal itself. A "golden opportunity" is a great chance you do not want to miss, and someone with a "heart of gold" is very kind.
You might say a sunset has "golden hues" to describe its warm yellow color. Or an athlete might win a gold medal. Gold often suggests excellence, value, and something special, whether it is a real object or a human quality.
Gold is a highly valued precious metal with a distinctive yellow shine. It has been used for coins, jewelry, and decoration since ancient times because it is rare, beautiful, and resistant to corrosion. Think of the legendary lost city of El Dorado, said to have streets paved with gold.
However, "gold" goes far beyond the element on the periodic table. It is also a strong symbol used in many figurative ways. A "golden age" refers to a period of great success and achievement, like the Golden Age of Hollywood. A "golden rule" is a principle that tells people to treat others as they would like to be treated, with kindness and fairness.
We also use "gold" to describe colors: "golden brown" or "golden yellow." And in sports, a "gold medal" represents the highest achievement. A person with a "heart of gold" possesses exceptional generosity and compassion. A "golden opportunity" is an exceptionally favorable or advantageous chance.
So whether you are admiring a glittering necklace, celebrating a champion's victory, or describing someone's kind nature, "gold" brings to mind value, beauty, excellence, and lasting importance. It is more than just a metal; it is a symbol deeply woven into our culture and language.
Examples
- 1
Jewelry
This ring is made of gold.
- 2
Market value
The price of gold usually rises when markets feel uncertain.
- 3
Sports award
She won a gold medal at the national championships.
- 4
Sports shorthand
The team came home from the Olympics with three golds.
Domain
in sports, a gold
a gold medal
- 5
Color
The evening light turned the hills gold.
- 6
Valuable person
A mechanic you can trust is worth his weight in gold.
Phrase
worth your weight in gold
extremely useful or valuable
- 7
Useful feedback
The notes she left in the draft were pure gold.
Phrase
pure gold
extremely useful, helpful, or valuable
- 8
Child behavior
The kids were as good as gold at the restaurant.
Phrase
as good as gold
very well behaved
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- goldnounadjective
Forms
- goldspluralnounadjective