English Reference
noun · adjective

gold

n. · adj.
US /ˈɡoʊɫd/ UK /ɡˈəʊld/ gold UK spelling golds

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Science

    n.a valuable yellow metal used to make jewellery, coins, and expensive objects.

    n.a heavy, malleable, yellow metallic element (atomic number 79) of high value and conductivity.

    Simple

    She wore a beautiful necklace made of pure gold for the wedding.

    In context

    The price of gold fluctuated significantly on the global market as investors sought a safe haven during the economic downturn.

    au
  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    n.a bright, deep yellow colour that looks like the metal.

    n.a deep, lustrous yellow hue resembling the appearance of the metal gold.

    Simple

    The leaves turned to gold as autumn arrived in the forest.

    In context

    The designer chose a palette of deep navy and gold to evoke a sense of traditional luxury in the hotel lobby.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.something or someone that is very useful, helpful, or high quality.

    n.anything or anyone perceived as exceptionally valuable, useful, or of superior quality.

    Simple

    That advice you gave me was pure gold; it saved me hours of work.

    In context

    The archive proved to be historical gold, containing letters that completely changed our understanding of the treaty negotiations.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate Sport

    n.a gold medal given to the winner of a race or competition.

    n.a medal made of or plated with gold, awarded as first prize in a sporting event or competition.

    Simple

    The swimmer was determined to bring home the gold for her country.

    In context

    After years of rigorous training, the athlete finally secured the gold in the hundred-metre sprint, setting a new national record.

    first placegold medal
  5. 05 A2 Elementary

    adj.made from the metal gold.

    adj.composed of or plated with the metallic element gold.

    Simple

    He gave her a small gold ring as a graduation present.

    In context

    The museum's collection includes several gold masks recovered from ancient burial sites in South America.

  6. 06 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    adj.a final version of a product, like a computer program, that is ready to be sold.

    adj.referring to a final version of software or a recording that is ready for mass production or release.

    Simple

    The developers announced that the new game has finally gone gold.

    In context

    Once the software reaches gold status, the master copy is sent to the manufacturing plant for physical distribution.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun.

Usage gold rush' · gold medal · gold medallist

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated