Word
gilt
US/ˈɡɪɫt/
UK/ɡˈɪlt/
Definitions
01gold coating
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Literary
n. a very thin layer of gold or gold-coloured paint used for decoration.
n. a thin layer of gold or other metal applied to a surface; gilding.
“The old picture frame was covered in shiny gilt that was starting to peel.”
“The restoration expert carefully reapplied the gilt to the altar, ensuring the new gold leaf matched the eighteenth-century original.”
Pitfall
He felt a lot of gilt about the accident.
He felt a lot of guilt about the accident.
Do not confuse 'gilt' (gold) with 'guilt' (the feeling of having done something wrong).
Synonyms
02government bond
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Finance British English · Technical
n. a safe investment where you lend money to the UK government in exchange for interest.
n. a high-grade investment bond issued by the British government, regarded as a very low-risk security.
“Many investors buy gilts because they are considered very safe.”
“Following the central bank's announcement, the yield on ten-year gilts rose sharply as investors adjusted their expectations for inflation.”
Usage
Usually used in the plural ('gilts') when referring to the market in general.
03young female pig
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical · Dialect
n. a young female pig that has not yet had babies.
n. a young female pig, specifically one that is at or nearing the age of first breeding and has not yet farrowed.
“The farmer decided to keep two gilts from the litter for future breeding.”
“Proper nutrition is essential for a gilt during her first pregnancy to ensure the long-term health of the herd.”
Antonyms
04golden
C2 · Proficiency Literary
adj. having the colour of gold or covered in a thin layer of gold.
adj. covered with a thin layer of gold or having a golden colour.
Español:dorado
“The sun set, giving the clouds a beautiful gilt edge.”
“The library was filled with gilt-edged volumes that shimmered under the soft glow of the chandeliers.”
Real-World Examples
“This added to the ups and downs in the gilt markets - the trade in British government debt.” “UK government bonds - known as "gilts" - are normally considered very safe, with little risk the money will not be repaid.” Etymology
Formed in English from the verb gild (“to cover in gold”). Compare gold and German Geld.
From Middle English gilt, gylt, from Old Norse gyltr; compare geld and yelt.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/gilt
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0