gilt

gilt — adjective

1. decorated on the outside with a fine coating of either real gold or a gold-colou

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

decorated on the outside with a fine coating of either real gold or a gold-coloured material.

Example

Manuela found a beautiful gilt mirror at the antique market.

gilt + noun (mirror / frame / cabinet)

The old dining table had gilt edges that had faded over the years.

Common collocations
  • gilt frame
  • gilt mirror
  • gilt edges
  • gilt chair
  • gilt cabinet
Synonyms
  • gilded

    can be used both before a noun and after a linking verb, whereas 'gilt' is attributive only

  • gold-plated

    implies a thicker layer of actual gold applied by electroplating, not just a decorative coating

Grammar Patterns

gilt + noun

Usage Note

Used only before a noun — you cannot say 'the mirror is gilt'. Use 'gilded' instead in predicative position.

Common Mistakes

The picture frame is gilt.
The picture frame is gilded.
'gilt' is only used before a noun; 'gilded' can be used after a linking verb.

gilt — noun

Word family

  • gild
    verbB2
  • gilded
    adjectiveB2
  • gilding
    nounC1
  • gilt-edged
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All three words describe a gold-like appearance, but they differ in composition and usage. 'Gilt' refers specifically to a thin decorative coating — the underlying material is something else, and only a fine layer of gold (or gold-coloured substance) sits on top. 'Gilded' is the closest synonym and can be used in more grammatical positions ('the frame is gilded'), though it sometimes carries a figurative meaning of superficial wealth. 'Gold-plated' involves a genuine layer of gold applied by electroplating — usually thicker than gilt and more durable. 'Golden' describes the colour itself, not a coating; a plastic object can be golden but is neither gilt nor gilded. For example, a dealer would say 'a gilt frame from the 1800s' but 'a golden sunset' — never 'a gilt sunset.'

gildedgold-platedgolden ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • layer of gilt
  • coat of gilt

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Comes from the past participle of the Old English verb 'gyldan', meaning 'to cover with gold'. This Germanic root is related to 'gold' itself. The financial sense ('gilt-edged securities') appeared in the 19th century, referring to the gold-coloured edges of the bond certificates — a marker of high quality and safety.