gilt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (financial), Literary/Poetic (adjective/adjective use)
Quick answer
What does “gilt” mean?
A thin layer of gold or gold-coloured material applied to a surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thin layer of gold or gold-coloured material applied to a surface.
In finance, a gilt is a UK government bond, seen as a very secure investment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The financial term 'gilt' (for government bonds) is exclusively British. Americans use 'Treasury bond' or 'Treasury security'. The adjective/noun for gold coating is understood but rare in both varieties.
Connotations
UK: Strong association with secure finance. US: Primarily a historical/ornamental term.
Frequency
High frequency in UK financial news; very low frequency in US English outside specific historical/art contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gilt” in a Sentence
The N is giltInvest in giltsAdorn with giltVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gilt” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Archaic) They would gilt the statue every decade.
- (Not standard; 'gilded' is used)
American English
- (Archaic) The craftsmen would gilt the ornamental trim.
- (Not standard; 'gilded' is used)
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare/poetic) The sun set, shining gilt upon the clouds.
American English
- (Extremely rare/poetic) The dome shone gilt in the morning light.
adjective
British English
- The antique clock face was protected by a gilt glass cover.
- He admired the gilt lettering on the old book spine.
American English
- The picture frame had a worn gilt finish.
- She bought a set of gilt-edged porcelain plates.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
UK: 'The pension fund holds a large portfolio of long-dated gilts.'
Academic
Art History: 'The Renaissance frame was decorated with intricate gilt.'
Everyday
Rare. Might be used for description: 'The old mirror had a chipped gilt frame.'
Technical
Finance/Bonds: 'Gilt yields fell following the central bank's announcement.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gilt”
- Using 'gilt' as the past tense of 'gild' (correct past tense is 'gilded').
- Using 'gilt' for any bond in American English.
- Misspelling as 'guilt'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the standard past tense and past participle of 'gild' is 'gilded'. 'Gilt' is an archaic or dialectal form.
No. 'Gilt' specifically refers to UK government bonds. The US equivalent is a 'Treasury bond' or 'Treasury security'.
Literally, it means edged with gold leaf. Figuratively (and in finance), it means of the highest quality and lowest risk.
Not generally. It is common in UK financial contexts and specialized fields like art history or antique restoration, but rare in casual talk.
A thin layer of gold or gold-coloured material applied to a surface.
Gilt is usually formal (financial), literary/poetic (adjective/adjective use) in register.
Gilt: in British English it is pronounced /ɡɪlt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡɪlt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All that glitters is not gold (often referenced with 'gilt')”
- “Gilt-edged security (literally and figuratively for something very safe)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GILT sounds like GUILT. Think: 'He felt GUILT after spending all his money on GILT-edged frames.'
Conceptual Metaphor
VALUE/WEALTH IS A METALLIC SHEEN (gilt as superficial appearance of value); SECURITY IS SOLID GOLD (gilts as 'gold-standard' safe investments).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses of 'gilt' is correct in American English?