WordGarden.iogolden
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡˈəʊldən/
US
- /ˈɡoʊldən/
Meanings
Adjective
having a bright yellow color like gold
made of, covered with, or containing gold
excellent, valuable, or especially likely to bring success
Beyond the definition
"Golden" is not just about the bright yellow color of gold. It can describe anything precious, highly valued, or especially good, like a golden opportunity, a golden rule, or a golden voice. It can also paint a warm picture, like a golden sunset or a golden retriever with its soft yellow coat and gentle nature.
Historically, "golden" could literally refer to things made of gold, a metal prized for centuries. Today, we often use "gold" for the material itself, but "golden" still works as a strong metaphor for something exceptional, lucky, or deeply valued. A talented athlete might have a golden chance to win a title, and a 50th anniversary is known as a golden one. The word often suggests success, warmth, and lasting value.
The word "golden" primarily refers to something having the rich, bright yellow color of gold. Think of golden wheat fields swaying in the breeze, the golden glow of a candle, or golden curls of hair. While the word "gold" usually describes the physical material, "golden" captures the appearance and the figurative qualities associated with the precious metal.
It is frequently used to describe anything considered exceptionally valuable, excellent, or perfect. A golden opportunity is a rare and favorable chance you can't afford to miss; a golden rule is a fundamental principle that should always be followed. We also speak of a golden age to describe a historical period where peace, prosperity, and the arts flourished.
The association with gold also lends "golden" connotations of warmth, happiness, and high honor. A golden wedding anniversary marks fifty years of marriage, and the golden years often refer to a person's later years, especially retirement. Even in idioms, the word shines; a "golden boy" or "golden girl" is a person favored by many and destined for success.
Historically, cultures around the world have revered gold for its beauty and rarity. This long-standing admiration has seeped into our language, making "golden" a descriptor that signifies not just a color, but also worth, excellence, and enduring value. Whether describing a physical hue or an abstract quality, "golden" suggests something truly special and precious.
Examples
- 1
Sunset light
The hills were covered in golden light just before sunset.
- 2
Happy past
She still talks about the golden days when the whole family lived in one house.
- Phrasegolden days
a happy time in the past
- 3
Career opportunity
This internship is a golden opportunity to learn from experienced engineers.
- Phrasegolden opportunity
an excellent chance
- 4
Sports history
Many fans think the team's golden age was in the 1990s.
- Phrasegolden age
a period of great success
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Later life
My grandparents want to spend their golden years near the sea.
- Phrasegolden years
the later years of someone's life
- 6
Basic rule
One golden rule in meetings is to listen before you speak.
- Phrasegolden rule
an important basic rule
- 7
Informal reassurance
If we finish the last section tonight, we're golden.
- Phrasewe're golden
everything is fine; we are in a good position
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- goldenadjective
Forms
- goldenercomparativeadjective
- goldenestsuperlativeadjective