golden age: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, academic, journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “golden age” mean?
A period in history or in a particular field when outstanding achievements, prosperity, or cultural flourishing occurred.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A period in history or in a particular field when outstanding achievements, prosperity, or cultural flourishing occurred.
Any idyllic past period considered superior to the present; a peak era of success or quality for a person, organization, or artistic movement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows local conventions: 'age' vs 'age' (no difference).
Connotations
Equally strong positive connotations of peak achievement in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency of use in formal/academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “golden age” in a Sentence
the golden age of [NOUN PHRASE]during the golden agea/the golden age for [NOUN PHRASE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “golden age” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The 'Golden Age' detective stories of the 1920s are still widely read.
- He's a 'golden-age' Hollywood star.
American English
- She's an expert on 'Golden Age' comic books from the 1940s.
- The 'golden-age' television era is often debated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a period of maximum profitability or market dominance (e.g., 'the golden age of the automobile industry').
Academic
Used to describe a historical period of significant cultural, scientific, or artistic development.
Everyday
Used nostalgically for past personal or societal happiness (e.g., 'the golden age of my childhood').
Technical
Specific applications exist, e.g., 'Golden Age' as a formal period classification in history (Greek, Roman), comics, detective fiction, etc.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “golden age”
- Using 'golden era' incorrectly – it's a valid synonym, not a mistake. Mistake would be 'gold ages' (plural, incorrect).
- Confusing 'golden age' (historical) with 'golden years' (personal old age).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can refer to recent peaks (e.g., 'the golden age of the internet startup') or even be used prospectively ('We are entering a golden age for renewable energy').
'Golden age' implies an initial peak of creation and prosperity. 'Renaissance' implies a rebirth or revival of culture and learning after a period of decline.
Yes, but carefully. It typically refers to their period of greatest success or productivity (e.g., 'the golden age of her career'), not generally to old age (which is 'golden years').
Yes, when referring to one of several possible peak periods or an unspecified one. 'The golden age' is used when referring to a specific, well-known historical period.
A period in history or in a particular field when outstanding achievements, prosperity, or cultural flourishing occurred.
Golden age is usually formal, literary, academic, journalistic. in register.
Golden age: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊl.dən ˈeɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊl.dən ˈeɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to live in a golden age”
- “to look back on the golden age”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an age (period) where everything shines like gold – prosperous, brilliant, and valuable.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A PRECIOUS METAL (gold). QUALITY IS VALUE. SUCCESS IS SHININESS/ILLUMINATION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary implication of the term 'golden age'?