D
Dicread
HomeDictionaryGgold

gold

precious metal / golden color

/ɡɒʊld/

Adjective[C/U] Both

The word carries an inherent association with wealth, prestige, and timeless value. While it describes a physical metal, its psychological weight is often tied to the concept of 'the ultimate prize' or a standard of perfection. In a color context, it evokes warmth, luxury, and radiance. Unlike 'yellow', which can feel flat or neon, gold implies a metallic luster and high status. It is used both literally (material science, jewelry) and metaphorically to represent the highest tier of achievement, such as in sports or academic honors.

Uncountable when referring to the chemical element or metal in bulk ('The ring is made of gold'). Countable when referring to a specific award, such as a medal won at the Olympics ('She won two golds in swimming').

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is in her dorm room while Karen is at a PTA meeting.
Karen Smith

Did you actually sell that gold necklace I gave you?

Karen Smith
Chloe Smith
Chloe Smith

Had to. Rent is due and I'm totally broke.

💡
The conversation centers on the material value of 'gold'. Chloe uses the colloquial phrase 'totally broke' to describe her lack of money, highlighting the tension between Karen's focus on family heirlooms and Chloe's financial struggle with 'adulting'.

Meanings

Nounprecious metal

A precious yellow metallic element, used as a standard of value and for making jewelry and coins.

"The ancient crown was made of solid gold."

Adjectivegolden color

Made of, containing, or resembling gold in color.

"She wore a beautiful gold dress to the gala."

Etymology

Derived from the Old English gold, which descends from the Proto-Germanic gulþą. This root is further traced back to the Proto-Indo-European ghel-, meaning to shine or gleam, a root that also produced words like yellow and glow.

Related Words

Last Updated: June 8, 2026Report an Error