Gilded Meaning
/ˈɡɪldɪd/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbsimple past and past participle of gild
adjHaving the color or quality of gold.
Sentence Examples
Gilded reins do not make for a better horse.
The palace was a gilded cage for the princess.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ frame of the painting was made of real gold leaf.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The palace ballroom was decorated with ____ mirrors and ornate crystal chandeliers that sparkled in the light.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree English gild English -ed English gilded From gild + -ed.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"There wasn't a room that had not been clad, picture-railed, dadoed, panelled, stained, gilded, bordered and generally made over to within an inch of its life - can I interest anyone in a gold cherubic sconce?"
— 2000 September 23, Michele Jenkinson, “West Country Living: My blind date with my new home”, in The Daily Telegraph, London: Telegraph Media Group, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 28 Mar 2026:
"All that glisters is not gold;
Often have you heard that told:
Many a man his life hath sold
But my outside to behold:
Gilded tombs do worms infold.
Had you been as wise as bold,
Young in limbs, in judgement old,
Your answer had not been inscroll'd:
Fare you well; your suit is cold."
— c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene vii]:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ frame of the painting was made of real gold leaf.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The palace ballroom was decorated with ____ mirrors and ornate crystal chandeliers that sparkled in the light.