golden delicious: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral, with specific technical/horticultural usage.
Quick answer
What does “golden delicious” mean?
A cultivar of apple with a yellow to green-yellow skin and a mildly sweet flavour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cultivar of apple with a yellow to green-yellow skin and a mildly sweet flavour.
Sometimes used metaphorically to describe something, often a person, that is deceptively or blandly attractive, wholesome, or conventional, lacking depth or uniqueness (e.g., 'the Golden Delicious of the pop world').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The apple variety is identically named and recognised in both regions. The metaphorical extension is rare but possible in both.
Connotations
In both, the apple connotes mild sweetness, common availability, and sometimes a lack of tartness or complexity compared to other varieties.
Frequency
Equally common as a fruit name. The metaphorical use is very low frequency in both.
Grammar
How to Use “golden delicious” in a Sentence
[Golden Delicious] + [verb: is/are/tastes/grows]a/an + [adjective: crisp, ripe] + Golden DeliciousVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “golden delicious” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Golden Delicious crop was excellent this year.
American English
- She bought a Golden Delicious apple for her lunch.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in agricultural, horticultural, and supermarket retail contexts (e.g., 'Golden Delicious sales are up 10%').
Academic
Used in botanical, pomological, or agricultural science texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing fruit, shopping for apples, or in recipes.
Technical
Used as a specific cultivar name in pomology with defined characteristics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “golden delicious”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “golden delicious”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “golden delicious”
- Writing in lower case ('golden delicious') when it is a proper noun.
- Using 'Golden Delicious' as a countable noun without an article (e.g., 'I ate Golden Delicious' vs. 'I ate a Golden Delicious').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as it is a proper noun—the name of a specific cultivar.
It is non-standard and rare. If used metaphorically, it typically implies someone who is conventionally attractive or wholesome but perhaps bland or uninteresting.
They are primarily eating apples. They can be used in cooking but tend to become soft and lose shape, so tarter, firmer apples are often preferred for pies.
They are distinct cultivars. Golden Delicious has yellow-green skin and a milder, sweeter flavour. Red Delicious has a deep red skin and a different, often less complex, flavour profile.
A cultivar of apple with a yellow to green-yellow skin and a mildly sweet flavour.
Golden delicious is usually neutral, with specific technical/horticultural usage. in register.
Golden delicious: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊl.dən dɪˈlɪʃ.əs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊl.dən dɪˈlɪʃ.əs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none directly, but see extended meaning for metaphorical use)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a delicious apple that has turned a golden yellow colour when ripe.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTRIBUTE FOR CATEGORY (colour/taste for the object); BLANDNESS FOR CONVENTIONAL ATTRACTIVENESS (in extended use).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of 'Golden Delicious' in standard English usage?