divot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialized (Golf), Informal (when used generally).
Quick answer
What does “divot” mean?
A small piece of turf or sod that is accidentally or deliberately removed from the ground, especially by a golf club.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small piece of turf or sod that is accidentally or deliberately removed from the ground, especially by a golf club.
Any small, torn-up piece of grass and soil; can also refer to the resulting hole or bare patch in the ground.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core meaning is identical in both varieties. The term originates from Scottish and is used globally in golf.
Connotations
In both, it connotes a minor, often careless, disruption to a grass surface. In the UK, the general use outside of golf might be slightly more established due to the term's historical presence.
Frequency
Higher frequency in countries/contexts where golf is popular. Equally understood in both varieties among golfers; the general use is low-frequency in both.
Grammar
How to Use “divot” in a Sentence
[verb] + a/the divot (e.g., repair, take, make, replace)a divot + [prepositional phrase] (e.g., in the fairway, from the ground)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “divot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Note: 'Divot' is not standardly used as a verb in contemporary English. The action is 'to take a divot' or 'to divot' (rare/technical).]
American English
- [Note: 'Divot' is not standardly used as a verb in contemporary English. The action is 'to take a divot' or 'to divot' (rare/technical).]
adverb
British English
- [No established adverbial use.]
American English
- [No established adverbial use.]
adjective
British English
- [No established adjectival use.]
American English
- [No established adjectival use.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare; potentially in ecology or soil science to describe a specific sampling method or disturbance.
Everyday
Low frequency. Used by golfers or to describe similar damage, e.g., 'The dog dug a divot in the lawn.'
Technical
Core term in golf. Used in turf management and greenkeeping.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “divot”
- Using 'divot' to refer to the hole only, not the piece itself (though common in casual use).
- Pronouncing it as /daɪˈvɒt/ (it's /ˈdɪvət/).
- Misspelling as 'divet'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its primary and most specific use is in golf, it can be used generally to describe any small chunk of turf dug up from the ground, e.g., by an animal or a shoe.
In golf, a 'divot' is the turf removed from the fairway (or rough) by an iron shot. A 'pitch mark' (or 'ball mark') is the indentation the ball makes when it lands on the green. Both should be repaired.
The standard phrasing is 'to take a divot.' The verb 'to divot' exists but is rare and considered non-standard or jargon (e.g., in turf management).
It comes from Scots, originally meaning a piece of turf or sod, related to older terms for a thin turf used for roofing or fuel.
A small piece of turf or sod that is accidentally or deliberately removed from the ground, especially by a golf club.
Divot is usually specialized (golf), informal (when used generally). in register.
Divot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪv.ət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪv.ət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with 'divot' as the headword. The word itself is used literally or descriptively.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DIVOT sounds like DIVOTe (devote) your club to taking a chunk of turf. Or, DIVOT = DIG + TURF.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE GROUND IS A SKIN (a divot is a wound or a scar in the 'skin' of the earth).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'divot' MOST appropriately used?